I need Christmas Mass music ideas

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agapewolf said:
Oh for goodness sake. no, I don’t. You’re not curious, you want to prove it wrong.
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No. I just had a very bad experience. The wife of the bishop’s executive assistant came up with the brilliant idea of using Hark the Herald in lieu of the Gloria because of the refrain. It was not the Gloria; it was the Christmas carol. I told the bishop that we were going to set a bad precedent, as this particular Midnight Mass was going to be broadcast all over the diocese. He went along with her suggestion. Sure enough, at my father’s parish, the pastor did the exact same thing.
 
benedictgal said:
No. I just had a very bad experience. The wife of the bishop’s executive assistant came up with the brilliant idea of using Hark the Herald in lieu of the Gloria because of the refrain. It was not the Gloria; it was the Christmas carol. I told the bishop that we were going to set a bad precedent, as this particular Midnight Mass was going to be broadcast all over the diocese. He went along with her suggestion. Sure enough, at my father’s parish, the pastor did the exact same thing.
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I’m not talking about “hark the herald” I’m talking about angels we have heard, and I said the correct texts are used.
 
agapewolf said:
I’m not talking about “hark the herald” I’m talking about angels we have heard, and I said the correct texts are used.
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My bad on the title, but, it’s the one with the Gloooooria in excelsis Deo, right? Well, that was the one that was used. It was a bad precedent in any case. It was not the text of the Gloria, but the carol itself.
 
chriso said:
That sounds great, I’ve never heard it before like that. I dont suppose you know of a YouTube version or something? Is this sort of what you mean?

Glory to God in the Highest
(Angels we have heard on high)

Peace to his people
(Sweetly singing o’re the plain)

Lord God, Lamb of God
(and the mountains in reply)

you take away the sins of the world
(echoing their joyus plain)

What goes here?
(Glo-o-o-o-o, o-o-o, o-o-o-ria)
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I think this might be the one. I prefer the original carol, as well as other musical settings to the carol. I’m not crazy about how the text is set, but it does sound like the whole text for the “Gloria” is there. I couldn’t find the actual sheet music, but I do have a feeling that this clip may be the two musicians’ own interpretation of the piece and not what it is originally meant to sound like.

youtube.com/watch?v=MernbZjQ7RE

Edit: Just found this on the OCP website. It’s a better performance of it (not so grating and more refined), although I still find the adaptation of the hymn lacking, but that’s just me.

ocp.org/compositions/2518
 
Sarabande said:
I think this might be the one. I prefer the original carol, as well as other musical settings to the carol. I’m not crazy about how the text is set, but it does sound like the whole text for the “Gloria” is there. I couldn’t find the actual sheet music, but I do have a feeling that this clip may be the two musicians’ own interpretation of the piece and not what it is originally meant to sound like.

youtube.com/watch?v=MernbZjQ7RE

Edit: Just found this on the OCP website. It’s a better performance of it (not so grating and more refined), although I still find the adaptation of the hymn lacking, but that’s just me.

ocp.org/compositions/2518
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Thanks for the links… I’m not sure if its exactly what I was hoping it would be, but it is beautiful none the less. I actually cant say I’ve ever heard a Gloria played/sung which really do justice to the prayer, in my opinion. Of course, its not like I’m the great world traveler either.

I know its not a Christmas thing, but has anyone ever done the “Lords Prayer” to “How Great Thou Art”? It’s like it was made for it…
 
chriso said:
Thanks for the links… I’m not sure if its exactly what I was hoping it would be, but it is beautiful none the less. I actually cant say I’ve ever heard a Gloria played/sung which really do justice to the prayer, in my opinion. Of course, its not like I’m the great world traveler either.
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Yes. I’d have to say some of my favorite “Glorias” are from mass settings which would not be compatible with most churches as they were all composed prior to VII when the congregation didn’t sing the Gloria. I’ve mostly only heard them in cathedrals which celebrate the OF or churches that have an EF or sung them in choirs which would do a performance of the composer’s entire mass in a secular setting. Also, some of those “Glorias” I love would be considered as too much for mass, but I admit I think they sound much more jubilant and do more justice to the prayer than what we do now.
 
chriso said:
Its down to 4 days now… how are you and the “wee one” doing?
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Awww… thanks for asking. The bambina is doing very well. She seems to be quite content staying where she is, although we’d all love to have her out with us. I’m doing as well as I can at this stage of the game. It has been a joy most of the time being pregnant, but for the past couple of weeks I now totally understand why every mother I’ve ever talked to about this gets to a point within the 9th month where they just can’t wait for the baby to come. haha! I think it’s God’s way of getting us psychologically ready and wanting to go through the pains of labor. Been having contractions and a teaser of what some of the pains might feel like, yet unmagnified, but nothing that lasts all day, unfortunately.

I’m supposed to cantor for mass tomorrow, but with the snow coming down and having me about 45 minutes or more away from the hospital (depending on the roads - they aren’t as good with keeping the roads clear down here as they would be in AK or New England, where I lived before) should I go into labor while at mass, I think I need to stay close by to the hospital and attend mass up here - maybe at the hospital, since I live only 5 minutes away from there.

Anyway, I love hearing everyone’s choices for Christmas mass. I’m praying that I can at least be able to attend mass on Christmas whether the baby is here or not. My husband predicts that I’ll go into labor the afternoon of Christmas Eve, have the baby on Christmas Day and not be able to go home until the 26th. At least I’ll be in a Catholic hospital, so I’m sure there will be a mass of some sort taking place in the chapel and maybe I could attend there if I’m allowed to be up and about.
 
Sarabande said:
Awww… thanks for asking. The bambina is doing very well. She seems to be quite content staying where she is, although we’d all love to have her out with us. I’m doing as well as I can at this stage of the game. It has been a joy most of the time being pregnant, but for the past couple of weeks I now totally understand why every mother I’ve ever talked to about this gets to a point within the 9th month where they just can’t wait for the baby to come. haha! I think it’s God’s way of getting us psychologically ready and wanting to go through the pains of labor. Been having contractions and a teaser of what some of the pains might feel like, yet unmagnified, but nothing that lasts all day, unfortunately.

I’m supposed to cantor for mass tomorrow, but with the snow coming down and having me about 45 minutes or more away from the hospital (depending on the roads - they aren’t as good with keeping the roads clear down here as they would be in AK or New England, where I lived before) should I go into labor while at mass, I think I need to stay close by to the hospital and attend mass up here - maybe at the hospital, since I live only 5 minutes away from there.

Anyway, I love hearing everyone’s choices for Christmas mass. I’m praying that I can at least be able to attend mass on Christmas whether the baby is here or not. My husband predicts that I’ll go into labor the afternoon of Christmas Eve, have the baby on Christmas Day and not be able to go home until the 26th. At least I’ll be in a Catholic hospital, so I’m sure there will be a mass of some sort taking place in the chapel and maybe I could attend there if I’m allowed to be up and about.
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Is this your first baby? If so, it may well cook a bit longer - the average first baby arrives at 41 weeks and 1 day, despite the due dates the doctors give them.😉
 
Bluegoat said:
Is this your first baby? If so, it may well cook a bit longer - the average first baby arrives at 41 weeks and 1 day, despite the due dates the doctors give them.😉
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Yup, first one. I know… I’m the first for my family and was over two weeks late - my poor, little mother - I was a huge baby. I’m already dilated, although, I know that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but I’m hoping and praying anyway. 😛

On topic - What are other people’s Christmas mass ideas.
 
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE “Maria Wiegenlied” by Max Reger. It’s often done for church Christmas concerts and sometimes prelude music at Christmas.

Here are a few different renditions of it. I like all of them, yet each one is slightly different.

King’s College Choir (Christmas music is one of the only times I enjoy a boy choir) This is so sweet.
youtube.com/watch?v=xMRR6f_oXX4

This one is done as a duet with Frederica von Stade (in green) and Kathleen Battle (in over-the-top poofy red gown). Von Stade, who is an opera singer I have loved since I first gained a huge love for classical singing as a teen because of her voice but also because of her down-to-earth personality and humility, is a Catholic. She has since been a huge proponent in music programs at schools as well puts her money where her mouth is by volunteering as a children’s choir director at a local Catholic school where she lives as well as puts on concerts to raise money for kids’ music programs. She always speaks lovingly about her experience at the Catholic school she attended as a girl in interviews and how it inspired her love of music.
youtube.com/watch?v=Jo3WGt2Kmro

I love hearing it sung solo by a woman because it really seems like a lullaby to Jesus sung by Mary. I love Joan Sutherland as well. What a freak of a voice! Australia is fortunate to have had such a treasure.
youtube.com/watch?v=mWSVJLFL0-4

And to keep with the thread of guitar arrangements for Christmas music: This was arranged for two guitars and voice. I can’t tell what language this was in.

youtube.com/watch?v=cwGqoPOV15Q

Here is the original German (which I prefer - easier to sing and I like the text more):
Maria sitz am Rosenhag
Und wiegt ihr Jesuskind,
Durch die Blätter leise
Weht der warme Sommerwind.

Zu ihren Füßen singt
Ein buntes Vögelein :
Schlaf, Kindlein, süße,
Schlaf nun ein!

Hold ist dein Lächeln,
Holder deines Schlummers Lust,
Leg dein müdes Köpfchen
Fest an deiner Mutter Brust!

Schlaf, Kindlein, süße,
Schlaf nun ein!

And here is what is usually sung in English:

Amid the roses Mary sits and rocks her Jesus-Child
While amid the treetops sighs the breeze so warm and mild
And soft and sweetly sings a bird upon the bough
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now

Happy is Thy laughter; holy is Thy silent rest
Lay Thy head in slumber fondly on Thy mother’s breast
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now
 
Sarabande said:
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE “Maria Wiegenlied” by Max Reger. It’s often done for church Christmas concerts and sometimes prelude music at Christmas.

Here are a few different renditions of it. I like all of them, yet each one is slightly different.

King’s College Choir (Christmas music is one of the only times I enjoy a boy choir) This is so sweet.
youtube.com/watch?v=xMRR6f_oXX4

This one is done as a duet with Frederica von Stade (in green) and Kathleen Battle (in over-the-top poofy red gown). Von Stade, who is an opera singer I have loved since I first gained a huge love for classical singing as a teen because of her voice but also because of her down-to-earth personality and humility, is a Catholic. She has since been a huge proponent in music programs at schools as well puts her money where her mouth is by volunteering as a children’s choir director at a local Catholic school where she lives as well as puts on concerts to raise money for kids’ music programs. She always speaks lovingly about her experience at the Catholic school she attended as a girl in interviews and how it inspired her love of music.
youtube.com/watch?v=Jo3WGt2Kmro

I love hearing it sung solo by a woman because it really seems like a lullaby to Jesus sung by Mary. I love Joan Sutherland as well. What a freak of a voice! Australia is fortunate to have had such a treasure.
youtube.com/watch?v=mWSVJLFL0-4

And to keep with the thread of guitar arrangements for Christmas music: This was arranged for two guitars and voice. I can’t tell what language this was in.

youtube.com/watch?v=cwGqoPOV15Q

Here is the original German (which I prefer - easier to sing and I like the text more):
Maria sitz am Rosenhag
Und wiegt ihr Jesuskind,
Durch die Blätter leise
Weht der warme Sommerwind.

Zu ihren Füßen singt
Ein buntes Vögelein :
Schlaf, Kindlein, süße,
Schlaf nun ein!

Hold ist dein Lächeln,
Holder deines Schlummers Lust,
Leg dein müdes Köpfchen
Fest an deiner Mutter Brust!

Schlaf, Kindlein, süße,
Schlaf nun ein!

And here is what is usually sung in English:

Amid the roses Mary sits and rocks her Jesus-Child
While amid the treetops sighs the breeze so warm and mild
And soft and sweetly sings a bird upon the bough
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now

Happy is Thy laughter; holy is Thy silent rest
Lay Thy head in slumber fondly on Thy mother’s breast
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now
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Outstanding! Thanks! It’s -31 degrees tonight and we havnt seen the sun for over a month now… this will give me some way to spread “tidings of comfort and joy” to my cowlrkers at lunch tonight! After tomorrow, the days will start getting longer again 👍 and I get to fly home to the family 🙂 and got to play for a couple Masses leading up to Christmas, and again at Christmas… And you got your baby coming soon! I cant imagine how life could possibly get any better…
 
chriso said:
Outstanding! Thanks! It’s -31 degrees tonight and we havnt seen the sun for over a month now… this will give me some way to spread “tidings of comfort and joy” to my cowlrkers at lunch tonight! After tomorrow, the days will start getting longer again 👍 and I get to fly home to the family 🙂 and got to play for a couple Masses leading up to Christmas, and again at Christmas… And you got your baby coming soon! I cant imagine how life could possibly get any better…
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Ooooooo!!! Now THAT is cold!!! I had a friend (penpal friend really since we only met once) who lived in Alaska and had sent me a photo of him and his friends in knee-high snow standing next to a huge temperature screen showing a -47 degrees. He was in Fairbanks. I would love to visit AK one day. Everything I’ve seen of it is so beautiful and pristine.

You must be so excited to see you family again!!! Fortunately, baby didn’t decide to come yesterday or last night with our snowstorm, which I’m sure would be nothing to handle in AK. haha! 😛 We totally got snowed in. My boss cancelled music for mass so that I wouldn’t have to make the 45 minute trip down. I had hoped to attend mass up here, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to dig our way out or even be able to drive out safely to the main roads. We’ll see.
 
Sarabande said:
What about:
  • Once in Royal David’s City (It’s one of my favorite hymns we do every Christmas. I always have to fight from losing it by the third verse. ) I know the video shows a boy’s choir, congregation and organ playing, but I’ve heard it done with guitar at a parish where they didn’t have an organ or piano and it worked out. I’m pretty sure it is in the Worship III hymnal, although I’m not sure if it is in the OCP. Something tells me it was at least a few years ago because I remember teaching it to the children’s choir and they had OCP hymnals.
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I SUNG THIS BACK WHEN I WAS 9 & 10 IN THE KIWANIS YOUTH CHOIR! My family and I LOVE it! However, we did two extra verses (in bold):
Sarabande said:
youtube.com/watch?v=1RC34N1TfCQ&feature=related

Text:
Once in royal Davids city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

**And through all His wondrous childhood
He would honour and obey,
Love and watch the lowly Maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He. **

For He is our childhood’s pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
When like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
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I was speaking to my pastor the other day and mentioned that Once in Royal David’s City was my favorite and he said they would be singing it on Christmas. I hope at all the Masses, as I have to go to the 5:00 PM vigil Mass.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette
 
DeaconsSon87 said:
I SUNG THIS BACK WHEN I WAS 9 & 10 IN THE KIWANIS YOUTH CHOIR! My family and I LOVE it! However, we did two extra verses (in bold):
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🙂

I have about 6 different hymnals in my library (most Catholic hymnals, a couple Protestant) and I realize that for the hymnals that have this hymn, each one has different verses. The main ones are there, but the ones those here have brought to attention are the ones that vary. It’s kind of funny.

Agree… I LOVE it too.

Bernadette - It’s wonderful that your church will be doing it!!! 😃
 
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