T IS A SIGNIFICANT opportunity when All Souls – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed – falls on a Sunday as it does this year. There are great opportunities, not only for music, but for exploring the depth of scripture and theology.
There are in fact several choices for readings, even on a Sunday. This includes options for the responsorial psalm as well as verses for the Alleluia. All readings are provided in the Lectionary for Mass for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (no. 668). In addition, one may also choose readings from for Masses for the Dead (nos. 1011-1016, Lectionary, Vol. 4). As such, the propers are that of the Requiem Mass, Missa pro Defunctis. Furthermore, it is quite notable that there is no Gloria, even this year when it falls on a Sunday.
It is especially in the propers of the Requiem Mass, and therefore All Souls Day, that I find great hope.
Consider the following:
Both the Introit and the Gradual use the same antiphon text—such is its importance it bears repetition:
4 Esdras 2: 34, 35: “Requiem aeternam
• Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.
Sequence | From the “Dies Irae”:
• You who absolved Mary, and heard the Robber, gave hope to me, too.
Communion | 4. Esd. 2: 35: “Lux aeterna…”
• May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord, in the company of your saints for eternity, for you are full of goodness.
Various Chants for the Last Farewell:
• Subvenite: Come to her assistance, O you saints of God, go forth to meet her, O you Angels of the Lord; receive her soul and present it in the sight of the Most High.
• Credo quod Redemptor: (Job 19: 25, 26) I believe that my Redeemer lives, and that on the last day, I shall rise from earth and in my flesh I shall behold God my Savior.
• In Paradisum: May the Angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels receive you and, with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you enjoy eternal rest.
• Ego sum resurrectio (John 1: 25, 26): I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even though he is dead, shall live; and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.
If this does not evoke hope in God’s infinite mercy, than what will? It is upon God alone that we depend.
Furthermore, it is a great act of mercy and love that we pray for the Faithful Departed. Pray unceasingly and pray for each other. Oramus pro invicem.
equiem pour une américaine à Paris is a seven-movement work composed for trumpet and organ, it is reminiscent of an early Twentieth Century French Romantic style. Although quite faithful to many of the Gregorian Chants, this is not a liturgical work, but a concert work. However, I hope this may be a helpful and hopeful meditation on God’s merciful love, and our hopeful expectation of eternal life in the words of Credo quod Redemptor: “I believe that my Redeemer lives, and that on the last day, I shall rise from earth and in my flesh I shall behold God my Savior.”
The CD is available for purchase ($9.99) and for download ($6.93)
• Score available at RJC Cecilia Music
YouTube: I. Introit | Requiem aeternam”
YouTube: II. Gradual | Requiem aeternam
YouTube: III. Dies Irae
YouTube: IV. Jubilis!
YouTube: V. Offertory | Domine Jesu Christe”
YouTube: VI. Communion | Lux aeterna
YouTube: VII. Last Farewell 
HIS WORK WAS COMPOSED for Richard Kelley, trumpet. Certainly, the trumpet is rarely, if ever associated with Gregorian Chant. However, Mr. Kelley possesses unusually extraordinary grace, dignity, and humility, all which sing beautifully through his playing. (Listen especially to IV. Lux Aeterna and the quote of “In Paradisum” in the VII. Last Farewell.)
The one movement, which is a departure from the Requiem mass, is the “IV. Jubilis!” It briefly quotes the Tract (which of course comes before the Sequence in the mass—the order is reversed in this concert piece.) It is also loosely based on the Post-Vatican II addition of the “Alleluia” The “Jubilis!” theme returns at the end of the final movement, in hopeful expectation of eternal life in heaven.
ICHARD KELLEY, TRUMPET was a soloist with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops 1984 and 1985 at the age of 16 and 17. He studied at the Juilliard School in NYC, he is a former member of Boston Brass Quintet and a current member of the Brass Band of Battle Creek. His credits include Broadway shows in NYC, TV ads, and film soundtracks. He has performed with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Ray Charles, Steven Tyler, James Taylor, Glenn Close, Bernadette Peters, Jennifer Aniston, and Vanessa Williams. Conductor of the New England Swing in Nashua New Hampshire, he now plays frequently with the Boston Pops.
• CD Cover Photography by Rev. James Martin, SJ | Window from St. Mary’s Chapel, Boston College
• Recording Engineer: Evan Landry
• Mastering: Paul Umbach
• Richard Clark played the 1999 Smith & Gilbert Organ Recorded at St. Cecilia Church, Boston
Requiem pour une américaine à Paris has been featured on “Sounds from the Spires” on SIRIUS XM 129 Radio, The Catholic Channel.
Richard Kelley and I had the opportunity to speak with the program’s host, Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music for Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
• PODCAST • Listen here to the program broadcast on 10.6.2013:
