PRO ARTE SINGERS
Thomas Binkley
Alan Bennet, assistant
Cantus:
Lisa Cardwell, Deborah Co, Hallie Fischel, Maria Gonçalves, Sonja Rasmussen, Angela Mariani Smith Altus:
A. Lee Barlow, Robert Freitas, Brian Link, Patrice Morrell, Matthew Pass, Marita Ward Tenor-Bassus:
Alan Bennett, David Cody, Randy Enders, David Jerome, Rod Loren, James Ward, Bruce-Robert Wright
SOLOISTS Celebrant: James Ward Deacon: Randy Enders Subdeacon: David Cody Alleluia: Deborah Co, Patrice Morell Graduale: Lisa Cardwell, Angela Mariani Smith
THE MASS
The
Ordinarium is that portion of a mass which is common to every mass in
contrast to the Proprium which contains texts for a specific feast. A
nuptial mass was actually of two kinds, a short mass which preceded the
consummation of the marriage and a full-scale mass the following day.
The second is presented here, with the Proprium taken from the earliest
published Missal of 1474.
The Ordinarium was often set in
polyphony with the Proprium sung in a chant, as is done here. The chant
is of several kinds: recitation, sung by formulae according to specific
tones, especially in the readings (Collects, Epistles, Gospel);
psalmody, also a formulaic recitation employed for singing psalm verses
(as the verse of the Introit); and fully melodic chant as found in the
antiphons, the alleluias, graduals, etcetera. In addition there are
small responds between the ministers and the choir, as well as softly
spoken private prayers, intended to be inaudible. The Schola Cantorum
was the chant choir, while a separate choir consisting of boys and male
singers sang the polyphony. Each of the ministers had specific duties:
the Celebrant chanted the Collects, officiated at the elevation and
sang the Pater Noster, the Preface and the Post Communion. The Deacon
officiated at the Gospel procession and chanted that reading as well as
the final "Ite missa est." The Subdeacon chanted the Epistle. Each was
involved in the complex choreography of the mass.