October 2014 Staff Picks
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October 2014 Staff Picks
Welcome to October 2014 Staff Picks! by Alan Hommerding
As I’ve mentioned previously, when many of us sit down to plan music for a Sunday, we often turn first (perhaps only) to the Lectionary. In particular, we look at the gospel passage for our focus. But the Mass is so rich in other texts for us to amplify and resonate within our musical choices. So for these staff picks, I’ll be referring to the texts for these Sundays from The Roman Missal.
October 5, 2014 – Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time:
The text of today’s second reading is ably set to music by Ed Bolduc. Have No Anxiety (WLP lead sheet es08280-A) is in lead sheet format and features a soloist and harmony. The assembly can join in on the refrain. These words of comfort can be used on throughout the year or at a time of great need in the community or around the world. This song can be found on Ed’s album Word for Word (WLP 008280). Listen here.
October 12, 2014 – Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
David Yackley’s Celebrate the Feast (WLP lead sheet es50557) conforms nicely to the image of the wedding feast in today’s Gospel. You can always expect musically satisfying work from David, and he delivers again with a lively tune using close three-part harmony. Listen.
October 19, 2014 – Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
The entrance antiphon “To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God” is echoed in two excellent contemporary pieces: Ed Bolduc’s Answer Me (WLP 007448) and Paul Tate’s Answer When I Call (WLP 007483); both are worthy additions to the repertoire of any Sunday assembly. Listen to Ed’s piece hereand Paul’s piece here.
October 26, 2014 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Tony Alonso wrote Love One Another (WLP 005805) specifically with Holy Thursday in mind, but today’s Gospel fits beautifully with this piece. The melody is beautiful and easily learned by your assembly. While the vocal needs are simple, this can be enhanced with the addition of a C instrument and cello. This piece is from Tony’s CD I Shall Live (WLP 008463). Listen here.
Take some time to explore the rich variety of scripture and prayer texts that the Mass offers to us as a way to inspire our musical selections!