For those interested in the music scheduled for Christmas, below is the music for Midnight mass, and Christmas morning mass, with translation of some of the motets we will sing. I am pleased to announce that music for Midnight mass will often be complimented with violin, and accompanied with organ. Music on Christmas morning will also be aided by organ. May it aid you in your prayerful participation in the liturgy during this beautiful feast of the Church!
MIDNIGHT MASS:
Prelude Music: begins at 11pm
- Hodie Christus Natus est (chant from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols)
- Of the Father’s Love Begotten
- Hark the Herald Angel’s Sing (arr. by David Willcocks)
- Away in a Manger
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- O Holy Night (arr. by Rene Clausen)
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- We Three Kings of Orient Are
- Coventry Carol
- Gaudete
- Flos de Radice Jesse
- Silent Night
- Puer Nobis Nascitur (arr. by David Willcocks)**
- Personent Hodie (arr. by Gustave Holst)**
- Good Christian Men Rejoice
**Poetic Translation of #13:
Unto us is born a son, king of choirs supernal; See on earth his life begun, Of lords the Lord eternal.
Christ from heav’n descending low, Comes on earth a stranger; Ox and ass their Owner know, Now cradled in a manger.
This did Herod sore affray, and did him bewilder, So he gave the word to slay, And slew the little childer.
Of his love and mercy mild Hear the Christmas story: O that Mary’s gentle Child might lead us up to glory!
O and A and A and O, Cantemus in choro, Voice and Organ, sing we so, Benedicamus Domino!
**Translation of #14:
Let resound today
the voices of children,
joyfully praising
Him who is born to us,
given by most high God,
and conceived in a virginal womb
He was born into the world,
wrapped in swaddling cloths,
and laid in a manger
in a stable for animals,
the master of the heavens.
The prince of Hell has lost his spoils.
Three Magi came,
they were bearing gifts,
and sought the little one,
following a star,
to worship him,
and offer him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Let all priests
just like the boys
sing like angels:
“You have come to the world,
I pour out praises to you.
Therefore, glory to God in the highest!”
MUSIC FOR MASS at MIDNIGHT:
Missa O Quam Gloriosum (Victoria)
O Come All Ye Faithful
Offertory:
O Magnum Mysterium (Victoria)
Translation:
- O great mystery,
- and wonderful sacrament,
- that animals should see the new-born Lord,
- lying in a manger!
- Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
- was worthy to bear
- Christ the Lord.
- Alleluia!
Communion:
– selected movement by Handel for organ and violin
– Hodie Christus Natus Est (Nanino)
Translation:
Today Christ is born: Noel!
Today the Savior appeared: Noel!
Today on Earth the Angels sing,
Archangels rejoice:
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest.
Alleluia.
– Exultate Deo (Scarlatti)
Closing: Angels we have Heard on High
Postlude: selected movement by Handel for organ and violin
MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING – 9AM MASS
Missa O Magnum Mysterium (Victoria)
Entrance: O Come All Ye Faithful
Offertory:
Verbum Caro Factum Est (Hassler)
Translation:
And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth
Communion:
Ave Maria … Virgo Serena (de Pres)
Translation:
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee, serene Virgin.
Hail, thou whose Conception, Full of great joy,
Fills heaven and earth With new gladness.
Hail, thou whose Nativity Became our great celebration,
As the light-bearing Morning Star anticipates the true Sun.
Hail, faithful humility, Fruitful without man,
Whose Annunciation Was our salvation.
Hail, true virginity, Immaculate chastity,
Whose Purification Was our cleansing.
Hail, glorious one In all angelic virtues,
Whose Assumption Was our glorification.
O Mother of God, Remember me. Amen.
Organ, as needed
Closing: Angels we have Heard on High