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AST FRIDAY I put aside a few hours to compose this musical setting of the Creed, dedicated to my brother, Deacon Mark Ostrowski. Below, I explain what I was trying to do from a compositional standpoint. Yesterday afternoon, I recorded a practice video, so you can hear it. Please pardon the bad singing (when I’m playing the organ, my mouth often gets too close to the microphone):
Before I explain why I composed this Creed, here are the files you can download:
* * St. Felix Creed • Congregational Printout
* * St. Felix Creed • Choir Score (Modern Notation)
* * St. Felix Creed • Choir Score (Gregorian)
* * St. Felix Creed • Organ Accompaniment Score
HERE’S WHAT I TRIED to accomplish in writing this piece:
1.) I wanted this setting to be interesting, so people don’t get bored after a few weeks. On the other hand, I kept the congregational sections in a low range, with somewhat simple melodies.
2.) With respect to switching between sections, the Creed is very long, so I tried to “mix it up.” If it goes back and forth in a predictable, monotonous way, people get nauseated.
3.) The congregational sections tend toward a “brighter” reciting tone, while the cantor parts hover around a “darker” reciting tone — again, to keep things interesting!
4.) I treated the cadences differently each time, rather than doing the same thing a billion times, over and over.
* * St. Felix Creed • Audio Practice Recording (Mp3 File)
If you appreciate this Creed setting, please consider donating $5.00 per month. Thanks!
