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Views from the Choir Loft

Revealed! • Kevin Allen’s Setting of the “Confíteor Deo Omnipoténti” (SATB) for Compline

Andrea Leal · May 16, 2023

EVIN ALLEN. So many musicians would not be able to run their choral programs without his compositions. During last year’s Sacred Music Symposium, our organization was chosen to premiere his new collection for three voices: Stowe Missal Eucharistic Motets. Many consider his Motecta Trium Vocum to be peerless in the genre of equal voice choral music (“AD AEQUALES”). His Matri Divinæ Gratiæ—a collection for Soprano, Alto, and Bass—is essential for any choirmaster who directs volunteers. At Symposium 2023, we will be singing from Maestro Allen’s Cantiones Sacrae Simplices, a collection often selected by the Sistine Chapel Choir (Vatican City).

“Confíteor Déo Omnipoténti” • At this year’s Symposium, we will sing COMPLINE each night. That’s a change. At all previous symposia, we have sung VESPERS. Normally at Compline, the Confíteor is sung on a single note. Frankly, that method usually sounds poor. Our organization, therefore, commissioned from Kevin Allen a special setting of the Confíteor which will be sung each night during COMPLINE. I find this melody hauntingly gorgeous. See if you agree:

 Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #40505.

Clarification • Readers of our blog recently took part in a survey. We received many excellent answers, for which we are grateful. However, I have been asked to make a clarification. The people who took the survey were supposed to search the Brébeuf Portal for the hymn tune “MELCOMBE.” Then they were asked to comment about the strategy of shared melodies. Several people gave answers we did not expect. They said: “Using all the shared melodies each week will lead to boredom on the part of the congregation.” However, that answer misses the point completely. Nobody is saying that 100% of the “shared melody” hymns must be used. The idea is, they are available when you need them! For instance, the feast of the ASCENSION is coming up in a few days. If your choir already knows a “shared melody” in SATB, the Brébeuf hymnal gives you options! Or, consider the choirmaster who plays more than five Masses each weekend. Not all the Masses will have a choir, so these “shared melodies” will be invaluable for some (not all) of the Masses.

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

Filed Under: Articles, Featured, PDF Download Tagged With: Composer Kevin Allen, Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, Musical Setting CONFITEOR Last Updated: May 16, 2023

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About Andrea Leal

Andrea Leal is a wife and homeschooling mother of 6 children. She serves as choir director for the Traditional Latin Mass in Las Vegas.—(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

The Sanctus and Benedictus are one text and should be sung through without a break. The practice—once common—of waiting till after the Consecration and then singing: “Benedictus qui venit…” is not allowed by the Vatican Gradual.

— Father Fortescue, writing in 1912

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