Church Music

Michael has a question:

Hi Dr Geoff,
I’m trying to find a different versions of the “Alleluia”, as part of the Gospel Acclamation.
I generally use the Mass of St Francis by Paul Taylor as its a delight to play (I’m a guitarist) and sing and very accessible to the congregation.
But this version doesn’t contain a Alleluia and I am struggling to find versions to try.
I’m thinking specifically for Ordinary Time services. Currently we do a version based on See Ye first tune (the chorus) but I’m looking for something new (but old, I grew up in 70s and 80s and have some strong connections to earlier hymns)
Anyway, would be good to see what people have to offer, if you open it up.
Cheers,
Michael

At our parish we use the Celtic Alleluia a lot because we already know the tune and you can usually find a verse to suit the other readings from that week. So we use that with Paul Taylor’s “Mass of St Francis”, but also with Mason’s “Mass of Glory and Praise” even though he did write an Alleluia. We do use Mason’s acclamation in Lent, often with Taylor’s other mass parts just to be contrary.

Any other ideas, folks?

This is a song of praise suitable for gathering by Janet Vogt. It would be especially suitable for children but I’m sure it would survive adult participation.

OCP sell the sheet music and provide the text in their preview.

The instructions are “light and fun” and I hope my backing is that:

I have been going through an old copy of OCP’s Guitar Accompaniment Book (c2005) for ages catching up on all the songs that I haven’t covered from other sources.

This is by Grayson Warren Brown and is based on Psalm 149. It is a joyous light setting that is fiddly as anything but I think would reward getting the assembly doing at least the refrain. It would make a fine entrance hymn. My guitar version has it in D and suggests capo 2 in C – I prefer to play in D over C on an a guitar any day so I don’t understand that at all.

The text is in the preview from OCP and they sell the sheet music for download as well.

I have never used this song at mass but I understand it is rightly popular in the US. It has a text by the wonderful Sister Delores Duffner that arouses fury in certain circles. Reviewing the text, I can’t see what they are so upset about. What’s wrong with diversity? What’s wrong with the Gifts of the Spirit? She even set it to good old NETTLETON so they can’t get upset about modern music. I’m not going to link the vitriol but it also seems part of an anti-OCP movement that might be an issue in the US but not elsewhere. Since the Body of Christ resides in the gathered assembly (and elsewhere of course) why not sing a new Church.

The text is here. OCP sell it here.

Entrance:  Table of Plenty (Schutte) AOV 2/20

Communion: In the Breaking of the Bread (Hurd) AOV 1/58

Recessional: We Are Many Parts  (Haugen) AOV 1/86

One approach for once a year liturgies is a simple memorable refrain for the assembly and verses for a cantor. It allows all sorts of liberties with the tune in the verses. This is the approach for this song for Ash Wednesday with a text by Maryanne Quinlivan. She based the verses on Psalm 51. The tune is by Kevin Keil.

You can purchase the sheet music at OCP. Bits of the lyrics are around on the net, but the full text is provided by OCP in their preview.

My backing sounds a bit dark, but perhaps that’s OK. I have been experimenting with new instruments for melody lines again.

Chris Brunelle is amazing.

The song in its liturgical settting:

Piano and vocal:

This is another song ideal for a recessional, this time with a text by Omer Westendorf. It is set to the beautiful Welsh melody ASH GROVE, which is in the public domain. It is available in various arrangements on the internet.

The text is here. The sheet music can be purchased at OCP.

We are resuming music for mass at our local church. With the assembly limited to 20 it will be low key, but hey, I often play with smaller crowds in George Town. I get to play next week. The liturgy team hasn’t met yet so these selections are from our esteemed leader.

Entrance: Sing Out Earth and Skies (Haugen) AOV 2/32    

Communion: Bread Broken, Wine Shared Bread  (Horner) AOV 2/155

Recessional: The Fullness of God (Andersen) AOV 2/62

* Donna has kindly posted the songs from Holy Spirit Cranbrook:

For Trinity Sunday at Holy Spirit Cranbrook we are doing for our livestreaming Mass
Song before the Mass: By the Waking of Our Hearts Ricky Manalo OCP
Gathering: Come As You are by Deirdre Browne Spectrum AOV1 no 31
Psalm: Loving and Forgiving by Scott Soper OCP
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia Song of the Spirit by Tony Alonso
Offertory: Gifts by Jane Mitchell published by Jane Mitchell
Communion Reflection: The Power of the Spirit by Paul Mason Liturgical Song
Recessional: They’ll Know we are Christians by Peter Scholtes The Lorenz Corp AOV1 no 130 and the Mass of Christ the Savior by Dan Schutte.

This song by Scott Soper is a challenging recessional. It says it is Gospel Swing and it is to be played “with fire!” so go to it.

The sheet music is available at OCP who provide the text in their preview.

I’m not sure why this one has never been looked at locally. It is by Tim Schoenbachler, is very singable and could be used at liturgies other than just Pentecost. He has harmony lines for the adventurous. It is based on Psalm 104.

The text is in the sample at OCP where you can purchase the sheet music.