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Views from the Choir Loft

Small Choir Repertoire: “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” (Two Voices)

Jeff Ostrowski · January 11, 2022

NE OF MY BROTHERS—in addition to being a great athlete—is a fabulous musician. About fifteen years ago, I showed him a Responsorial Psalm I’d composed, asking for his honest opinion. He immediately said: “I would never use this; it’s in a minor key, and sounds way too depressing.” He was correct; pieces for the congregation should sound bright, not mournful. The minor modes—which are far more interesting, in my opinion—must be used with great care. For instance, if I compose a verse in a minor tone, I will often use a major refrain … and there are other tricks, too.

A Happy Piece: A beautiful and “bright” piece comes to us from the 5th century: Corde Natus Ex Parentis. The complete version by Prudentius is very long, and—like many other ancient hymns—talks about our Redeemer’s entire life, including miracles he performed. But over the centuries, Corde Natus has become strongly associated with Christmastide and/or the Epiphany season (at least the verses which are commonly sung). The Brébeuf hymnal contains a gorgeous organ accompaniment:

Version for Two Voices: Needless to say, this song can be sung in Latin, not just English. Yesterday morning, I composed a version for two voices. I have no idea whether it’s any good, but feel free to download it—just remember it cannot be sung a cappella. It only works with the organ accompaniment found in the Brébeuf hymnal:

Melody Origin: The Brébeuf hymnal gives tons of “extra” information regarding the provenance of its texts and tunes. It even provides specific references to additional harmonizations by Richard Lloyd (1993 and Noel Rawsthorne (2011); and I know of no other hymnal which does likewise. The footnote on page 668 says: “The melody (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM) is an 11th century Sanctus trope, later adapted for Piae Cantiones (1582).” Do you think it sounds weird that this hymn used to be part of the SANCTUS?

Not Weird At All: It’s actually not very strange; and the reverse also happens. That is to say, many parts of the ORDINARIUM MISSAE came from other songs. Test your “musical knowledge” on the following examples. See if you can figure out which AGNUS DEI comes from the first example. And then see if you can figure out which SANCTUS comes from the second example:

Trivia: According to Dr. Joseph Dyer, the “Corde Natus” strophe is inserted into the hymn for the blessing of the oils on Holy Thursday (O redemptor, sume carmen).

This article is part of an ongoing (loosely connected)
series called: Repertoire for Small Choirs

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

Filed Under: Articles, Featured Tagged With: Corde Natus Ex Parentis, Divinum Mysterium, Mass of the Angels, Missa de angelis, Of The Father’s Love Begotten, Pieces For Small Choirs Last Updated: January 17, 2022

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    “Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)
    I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” A female choir director wrote: “I love your harmonizations, your musicality, and the wonderful interplay you have with dissonance and consonance in your music. So fun to listen to, and great for intellect, heart, and soul!”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    William Byrd • “Mass for Five Voices”
    Our volunteer choir is learning the “Sanctus” from William Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices. You can hear a short excerpt (recorded last Sunday) but please ignore the sound of babies crying: Mp3 recording. We still have work to do—but we’re on the right track. Once we have some of the tuning issues fixed, I desire to use it as an example proving volunteers can sing complicated polyphony.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Baptism” • A Unique Hymn
    Father Christopher Phillips is the founding Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church. One of his hymns is unique and (in my humble opinion) quite beautiful. His hymn is basically a prayer to the Holy Trinity but also speaks of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It would be an ideal Communion hymn on Trinity Sunday or the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. You can hear live recording from last Sunday by clicking here.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“It is very curious, rather barbarous, much too ornate, immeasurably less dignified than ours now, anything in the world rather than archaic or primitive.”

— Fr. Fortescue describing the “Sarum Use” in 1912

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