I absolutely love J.S. Bach's Joy-filled celebration of Jesus Christ's love for humanity, "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring". Ash Wednesday is just two days away, so this is my last opportunity to get it in as a Music Monday selection before Lent. Bach composed this piece in 1723 as a part of his cantata Herz und … Continue reading “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach
Ave Verum Corpus (William Byrd Composer)
The Verum Corpus, "True Body", refers to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Byrd published the composition in 1605. The hymn is beatifully sung . . .
Music for the Presentation of Our Lord: Holst’s “Nunc Dimittis”
Since tomorrow is the Feast of the Presentation, Holst's "Nunc Dimittis" is an appropriate selection for Music Monday, here with Caravaggio's powerful depiction of "The Presentation" as the backdrop . "Nunc Dimittis" is the Latin name for the prayer the old man Simeon says when he picks up the Christ Child in the temple. It has … Continue reading Music for the Presentation of Our Lord: Holst’s “Nunc Dimittis”
Ave Verum Corpus – W.A. Mozart
Ave Verum Corpus ("Hail, True Body") is a brief chant composed in the 13th century as a meditation on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist (I've posted the words, In both Latin and English, under the clip below). It has traditionally been sung during the elevation of the Host at Mass. Numerous composers … Continue reading Ave Verum Corpus – W.A. Mozart
Laudamus Te, by Antonio Vivaldi
One of my purposes with this blog is to share some of the treasures from the enormous deposit of beautiful art and music, especially sacred art and music, that has been handed down to us. Take the delightful duet below, for instance, which was actually composed as a part of the Mass: it is the … Continue reading Laudamus Te, by Antonio Vivaldi