Music for requiem Mass

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Would Bizet’s Agnus Dei be appropriate at a funeral Mass? I have a freind who has a beautiful voice. My mother had this at her wedding.
 
Saintlucy said:
Would Bizet’s Agnus Dei be appropriate at a funeral Mass? I have a freind who has a beautiful voice. My mother had this at her wedding.
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It is a beautiful piece of music. What is interesting about this piece is that the Latin was not added by Bizet, but by Bizet’s friend after his death. The piece was originally an instrumental work although the beginning of the work recalled Gregorian-style chant.

In terms of it being appropriate for a mass, I’ve only heard it during sacred music concerts. It also depends on what your pastor and music director will accept this kind of music - or if the music director could actually play it. This is also a kind of work which could easily go pass what would be appropriate for mass. As a professional opera singer, myself, that is something I am particularly sensitive to when doing music for mass. I’ve heard it done in full operatic voice, which is absolutely glorious, but it may be a little too much for during mass. I’ve also heard it sung by same opera singer who was able to tone it down a bit to be more appropriate for mass. She made it more like a prayer, yet kept the integrity and beauty of her voice. If your friend can do that, I think it would be appropriate.

Where would you be thinking of adding this piece of music? It definitely would not be appropriate during the actual Lamb of God because it is a solo work. But perhaps it could be done as a meditation after communion? Have you also thought of using a “Pie Jesu” like from Faure’s or Durufle’s Requiem masses since your friend is a classical singer?

My condolences and prayers for you and your family and for your mother.
 
I can’t really answer your question, but I would like to extend my condolences to you. I will pray for you and your family and for the eternal repose of the soul of the departed.
 
Thank you for your responses. My mother left this world on Saturday aged 99 years.

I think you’re correct in saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate. I am just so concerned that she has a wonderful Requiem Mass that everyone will remember. I was the only one of her children to go to Mass and her granchildren (my sister’s boys), though baptised, were not brought up in the faith. This was a great sorrow for her. I think that her funeral may be the occasion for her wishes and prayers to be fulfilled.

She was a great singer herself and she loved music. The thing is that our choir has sadly dissapated recently and I don’t think that I could sing solo. I just don’t want a few hymns.

I don’t know if I’m making any sense right now but I think you know what I mean. Any suggestions?
 
Isn’t the Agnus Dei changed for Masses for the departed to “…grant them rest (twice)…grant them rest eternal”/"…dona eis requiem/…dona eis requiem sempiternam", or does this apply only to the EF?
 
bpbasilphx said:
Isn’t the Agnus Dei changed for Masses for the departed to “…grant them rest (twice)…grant them rest eternal”/"…dona eis requiem/…dona eis requiem sempiternam", or does this apply only to the EF?
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I’m not certain, but I think it applies to only the EF. When I do the music for funeral masses for OF masses, they don’t change the Agnus Dei.
 
If it is possible, maybe that particular peice could be sung at a seperate memorial service, or before/after mass, so it is outside the actual mass itself. This would avoid your concern. I’m sure no one, priest included, would mind having that song sung as the recessional hymn, which is not technically part of the mass.

My prayers for you and your family.
 
bpbasilphx said:
Isn’t the Agnus Dei changed for Masses for the departed to “…grant them rest (twice)…grant them rest eternal”/"…dona eis requiem/…dona eis requiem sempiternam", or does this apply only to the EF?
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Yes, in the EF.
 
I’ve been trying really hard to get this right. How does this list look? I’m not sure about the readings yet.

Entrance: Sweet Heart of Jesus

Kyrie: Orbis factor

Offertory: Be Still my Soul

Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei XVIII

Communion: Soul of my Saviour

Commendation: May the Choirs of Angels (Ernest Sands)

Recessional: How Great Thou Art
 
Nice hymn selection- I really, really like the first one. It probably is fine if it isn’t too long and it was written as an Agnus Dei for the Ordinary of the Mass. Often composers like that wrote pieces that take their texts from the Ordinary of the Mass, but are meant to be used as a motet during the offertory or communion, or are just meant for concerts. Make sure it isn’t too long, or too showy (as the music of Bizet’s time- Verdi’s Requiem for example- was what prompted Pope St. Pius X to restore Gregorian Chant), and it’ll be fine.

As an aside, when I say “make sure it isn’t too showy”- I do NOT mean do less than your best. If you are a professional opera singer, Bizet’s Agnus Dei is not opera and shouldn’t be performed like it is- but if you have the skills of a professional, use them.
 
Thanks.

Everything done and OK’d with priest and choir. Kyrie and Agnus Dei both plainchant. Glad you like the hymns, They are Mum’s favourites.
 
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