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Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • “Advent Eucharistic Hymn”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 13, 2022

IKE EVERY OTHER human being on the planet, I’ve created things I’m not proud of. When I remember those items, I wince. At the same time, I have produced things of which I’m very proud … and an example would be my 2019 article: What Makes A “Catholic” Hymnal? Towards the end of that article, I demonstrated that it’s wrong to attribute the melody for “Véni Redémptor Géntium” (an Advent hymn) to Martin Luther. As a matter of fact, like many tunes Luther adopted, the melody was originally Roman Catholic. Perhaps people erroneously believe it to have non-Catholic origins because famous Protestant composers—such as the magnificent Johann Sebastian Bach—did wonderful things with that tune.

Advent Eucharistic Hymn • The Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal uses that famous Advent melody on page 145, setting a tremendous Eucharistic text by a Catholic Archbishop named John Peckham (d. 1292), who had studied with Saint Bonaventure:

M To access this hymn’s media in the Brébeuf Portal, click here.

No English? No Problem. • Some parishes don’t allow English songs. If you’re the choirmaster at one of those parishes, try this Latin version:

*  PDF Download • “AVE, CORPUS DOMINI” (private edition)
—A Eucharistic Advent Hymn • Courtesy of the Saint John Brébeuf Hymnal.

Sensational Strategy • We have spoken in the past about common tunes, which are also known as “shared hymn tunes.” In essence, this was a technique perfected by priests and musicians who created the Brébeuf Hymnal. This sensational strategy makes it possible to get through the entire liturgical year even if the congregation only knows a handful of decent hymn tunes. Furthermore, it means your choir members get more “bang for their buck”—and that means you can spend more time working on things like phrasing, diction, and balance. (I don’t need to tell you how precious rehearsal time is!) The Advent tune we’ve been discussing—which is sometimes called “NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND”—appears four times in the Brébeuf Hymnal: (1) on page 145; (2) on page 190; (3) on page 516; (4) on page 874.

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

Filed Under: Articles, Featured, PDF Download Tagged With: Common Hymn Melodies, Johann Sebastian Bach, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Veni Redemptor Gentium ADVENT Last Updated: December 13, 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

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“I examined him in your presence, and could find no substance in any of the charges you bring against him; nor could Herod, when I referred you to him. It is plain that he has done nothing which deserves death. I will scourge him, and then he shall go free.”

— Pontius Pilate

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