In the fall of 1993, while on sabbatical studying Gregorian chant performance with Dr. Mary Berry of Cambridge University, England, I was approached by the Rapid City Childrens’ Chorus to compose something for the chorus that would provide an educational and challenging experience for the young singers.
Liturgical Suite was the result of that commission. The three compositions are modern-day settings of music that has been part of western tradition for over one thousand years.They provide a canvas for teaching concepts of multiple meters, chant melody, and unaccompanied polyphony.
The original compositions became part of the RCCC repertory and were performed numerous times. I later revised the works for mixed chorus.
O Filii et Filiae is based on a hymn attributed to Jean Tisserand, a Franciscan monk, in the 15th century. As far as has been determined, Tisserand may have composed the melody along with the verses, although some sources have suggested the melody to be of more ancient origin and that Tisserand created a poem to match the melody.
O filii et filiae, Rex caelestis, Rex gloriae morte surrexit hodie.
O sons and daughters. The heavenly King, the King of glory, arose from death today.
Et Maria Magdalene, et Iacobi, et Salome venerunt corpus ungere
And Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, came to anoint the body.
In albis sedens angelus praedixit mulieribus: In Galilaea est Dominus.
The angel in white said to the women: “The Lord is in Galilee.”
Discipulis astantibus, in medio stetit Christus, dicens: Pax vobis omnibus.
When the disciples gathered, Christ appeared to them, saying: “Peace be with you all”.
Beati qui non viderunt et firmiter crediderunt; vitam aeternam habebunt.
Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe. They will have eternal life.
In hoc festo sanctissimo sit laus et iubilatio: benedicamus Domino.
On this most holy day, let there be praise and jubilation: Bless the Lord!
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