The “Agnus Dei” is the last movement of any mass setting, and it means “Lamb of God”. Throughout the Old Testament, blood sacrifices are offered to please God, to praise him, to thank him, and to ask favour of him. Jesus put an end to that by offering himself as the sacrifice to end all sacrifices. He became the sacrificial lamb, submitting entirely to God’s will and dying a tortuous death on our behalf … More Agnus Dei
“Benedictus” is a Latin word which translates literally to “blessed”. Very often in communion settings – indeed in the one we use at St Margaret’s – the Benedictus is bundled up with the “Sanctus” (see last month’s magazine), which is Latin for “holy”. Originally, they were separate paragraphs in the eucharist, and therefore treated separately by composers … More Benedictus
The term “Communion Setting” is used to cover the musical arrangements for the congregational responses throughout the eucharistic prayer. Communion setting suites have six separate movements … More Communion Settings
“Sanctus” is a Latin word which translates literally to “holy”. Very often in communion settings – indeed in the one we use at St Margaret’s – the Sanctus is bundled up with the “Benedictus”, which is Latin for “blessed”. Originally, they were separate paragraphs in the eucharist, and therefore treated separately by composers … More Sanctus – various
ent is over, we have celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, and the Easter season is in full swing. Thus it makes perfect sense to continue my series on Communion Settings with the Gloria … More Gloria
For a while I have been considering writing a series of articles on the various movements of Communion Settings. This year, as March falls entirely within Lent, it seems the ideal time to make a start with the Kyrie … More Kyrie
Have you noticed that during June and into July Maggie’s Music Makers treated you to several instances of communion setting contrafactum? All were taken from “Hymns Old and New” (HON) – our trusty orange hymn book … More Communion Settings
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 