Music for Lent-5-B (Apr 2)

Prelude:           -silence-
Processional Hymn: 237: From Ashes To The Living Font
Penitential Rite:  Missa XI (orbis factor): chant
Gloria:            -none-during-Lent-
Readings:          515
Offertory:         384: Take Up Your Cross
                   (11) (sheet) Schaffe in mir: Brahms
Acclamations:      185: Sanctus: chant
                   Missa XI (orbis factor): chant
Agnus Dei:         Missa XI (orbis factor): chant
Communion Hymn:    242: Tree Of Life
Final Hymn:        316: Thanks Be To You
Postlude:          -silence-

Music Notes:


Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) born in Hamburg Germany
to a musical but poor family; his father (a double bass player)
encouraged his piano and composition lessons. He desired to be
conductor and composer; worked in Dusseldorf, Detmold, Hamburg,
Vienna; his German Requiem (1869) brought critical acclaim and
financial security. Wrote symphonies, concertos, chamber pieces,
organ works, art songs, etc.


"Schaffe in mir, Gott" (Opus 29 n 2, written 1856/7, published 1864)
is one of three a cappella motets for chorus that were the crowning
achievement of "his painstakingly acquired skill in the 'archaic'
techniques of Renaissance polyphony [biographer Malcolm MacDonald]".
It is divided into three brief sections, each corresponding to a
verse from Psalm 51. The first section is presented this weekend
("Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz, und gib mir einen neuen
gewissen Geist.")("Create in me O God a pure heart, and grant a
right spirit within me"). It is written for five voices (SATBB)
and based on a canon by augmentation (i.e., strict imitation between
Soprano and Bass, but doubled note durations).