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Views from the Choir Loft

Two Choral Works and Propers for Lent

Richard J. Clark · January 19, 2018


RJC_NowCHristThouSun NEW CHORAL ANTHEM for Lent, Now Christ, Thou Sun of Righteousness (SATB & Organ) is a setting of Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae traditionally sung at Lauds during Lent. It recognizes the need for repentance and awaits glorious redemption at Easter.

John Dryden’s (1631-1700) beautiful translation is set to lyric, chant-like melodies.

The score is available from The Sacred Music Press, a division of The Lorenz Corporation.

Order • View sample pages: Octavo • “Now Christ, Thou Sun of Righteousness” (for SATB Choir & Organ)

Listen here • Conducted by Max Murphy:


CHRISTE QUI LUX ES ET DIES (Christ, who art the light and day) is based on the ancient Compline Hymn for Lent, likely dating back to the Fourth Century. Although it was not retained in the Roman Breviary, its continued widespread use is perhaps attributed to its antiquity, exquisite poetry, and simple beauty, glorifying Christ as the World’s Light. With this universal theme, Its use may extend beyond Lent.

This setting utilizes two major themes: the opening choral statement and the ancient chant melody, both in naturally progressing keys. The opening theme provides an axis of symmetry, setting verses one, four, and seven, while the chant is the basis of verses two, three, five and six. The Amen recapitulates the chant theme inside a variation of the opening exposition. As such, the Light of Christ is proclaimed both deep within the soul and cried aloud for all.

Available at RJC Cecilia Music

Premiered by the The Seraphim Singers | Jennifer Lester, Director

First Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts | Recorded LIVE: February 7, 2014 at St. Cecilia Church, Boston, Massachusetts

Recording Engineer: Evan Landry

Additionally, you can check out and listen to Communion Antiphons for Lent and Easter here.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Don’t You Agree About These?
    If you want to make Jeff Ostrowski really happy, send him an email with effusive praise about the individual voice recordings for hymn #296. [Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass] They came out dazzlingly sensational, don't you agree?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Choral Vowels? Yes? No?
    Here's a live recording of one of the choral “warm-up” exercises my choir enjoys. It was taken during our rehearsal on 27 January 2023. It’s good to make sure each chord is perfectly in tune and balanced before moving to the next one. That only happens when each singer has the correct vowel. If you like, you can freely download that vocal exercise.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Come now,” they said, “Thou who wouldst destroy the temple and build it up in three days, rescue Thyself; come down from that cross, if Thou art the Son of God.”

— Gospel of St. Matthew 27:42

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