Sleeve Notes & Track List

INTRODUCTORY RITE, COLLECT and GOSPEL
1 In nomine Patris (p 503)
2 Gratia Domini (p 503)
3 Miserere nostri / Misereatur (p 506)
4 Collect simple tone (pp 1234-5)
5 Collect solemn tone (p 1236)
6 Gospel tones  (pp 1239-40)

PREFACES
7 Dialogue (p 516)
8 de Adventu II Solemn tone (p 1232)
9 de Adventu II Ferial tone (p 1229)
10 de Mysterio Paschali I (p 378)
11 de Sanctissima Eucharistia I (p 304)
12 de Nativitate I (p 156)
13 de Dominica Pentecostes (p 446)
14 de Christo Universorum Rege (p 497)

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER to PAX
15 Roman Canon (p626)
16 Eucharistic Prayer III (p 647)
17 Pater Noster to Pax (pp 597-600)

CONCLUDING RITE and DISMISSAL
18 Blessing (p 603)
19 Solemn Blessing (p 1245-6)
20 Ite Missa Est (p 605)

HOLY WEEK and EASTER VIGIL
21 Ecce Lignum Crucis (p 323)
22 Lumen Christi (p 340)
23 Exsultet (pp 342-7)
24 Solemn Alleluia (p 360)
25 Ite Missa Est, Alleluia (p 376)

OTHER CHANTS OF THE MASS
26 Intonation Gloria VIII and IV (p 509)
27 Intonation Credo I and III (p 512)
28 Prayer of the Faithful (p 1241)
29 Orate Fratres (p 1242)
30 Ecce Agnus Dei (p 1244)

SAID MASS of the HOLY EUCHARIST
31 Introit (p 489)
32 Sign of the Cross, Greeting, Penitential Rite (pp 503-505)
33 Kyrie & Gloria (pp 509-510)
34 Collect (p 489)
35 Credo (pp 512-3)
36 Benedictus es (sotto voce prayers) (p 514)
37 Super Oblata (p 489)
38 Preface (p 489-490) & Sanctus (p 571)
39 Roman Canon (p 571)
40 Communion Rite (p 597)
41 Communion Antiphon (p 491)
42 People’s Communion (p 602)
43 Postcommunion (p 491)
44 Concluding Rite (p 603) & Ite Missa Est (p 605)

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (1964), the blueprint for our worship today, assures us (Chapter VI, 112/113) that “a liturgical service takes on a nobler aspect when the rites are celebrated with singing, the sacred ministers take their parts in them, and the faithful actively participate.” It commends sacred music for “adding delight to the prayer, fostering oneness of spirit, and investing the rites with greater solemnity”.

Earlier in the same document (54) it is stressed that, despite widespread use of the vernacular languages, “steps should be taken enabling the faithful to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the Mass belonging to them”. Clearly this presupposes that the celebrant himself is able to lead his flock convincingly when proclaiming the Latin texts. If he can give a strong lead in singing the Gregorian chants of the Missal, the faithful will surely respond joyfully in their turn. In 2003, Pope John Paul II has again expressed the wish that “the beauty of music and song will return increasingly to the liturgy”. New impetus is provided with the promulgation in 2002 of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia, a handsome volume for use at the altar, in which music has been prominently included at every stage of the Mass, with the evident intention that whenever possible the celebrant will wish to chant rather than simply recite his part.

 

Few people indeed cannot sing given suitable guidance. This CD has been carefully compiled in order to fulfil the demand for an accurate guide both to the pronunciation of Church Latin and to the singing of the chant. As it may seem daunting to contemplate chanting the whole of the Mass, individual priests will be wise to begin by singing the parts they feel comfortable with, while their confidence grows. They may wish to play the CD over and over until particular chants are firmly fixed in their minds. It will also be invaluable for referring to as and when uncertainties arise. In addition to the standard Gregorian texts of the Mass, plus a useful selection of important Prefaces, the historic chants of Holy Week are also included and will undoubtedly be welcomed.

This recording is offered in the hope that celebrants may be helped to find greater fulfilment in their priesthood as they lead the faithful forward to ever more joyful sung celebrations of the Holy Mass.