O sacrum convivium (by Gerald Near)

from Saint Augustine’s Organbook by Gerald Near

Background

According to Gerald Near, O sacrum convivium (O Sacred Banquet) is useful for any Eucharistic celebration. He also indicates that St. Augustine's Orthodox Church in Denver often performs it by having a choir (in their case a Schola Cantorum of men's voices) "sing the chant completely through first and then, during the playing of the prelude, singing again the 'Alleluia' beginning at the first measure on the top of page 22 and ending at the start of the second system; the singers should hold their final note a slong as possible while gradually decreasing volume quasi niente."

The English translation of the text is:

O sacred banquet, wherein Christ is received;
the memorial of his passion is renewed;
the soul is filled with grace;
and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
(Alleluia)

You gave them bread from heaven
Containing in itself all sweetness.
Tr. by The St. Ann Choir, directed by William Mahrt

Registration and Organs

The score indicates:

Solo (Great): Flute 8', Sw to Gt coupler

Swell: Strings

Pedal: 16', Sw to Ped coupler

Fingering and Pedaling

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Articulation and Phrasing

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Ornamentation

Ornamentation is written into Gregorian Chant. No additional ornamentation is required.

Tempo and Meter

No time signature is given and there are varying number of beats in each measure.

Eighth note = c. 104

See the notes concerning rhythm that are found in Background and General Perspectives, on the St. Augustine's Organbook page.

Scores and Editions

The Service Playing exam requires the use of Aureole Edition, AE 86, distributed by MorningStar Music.

Recordings

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Free Online

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Pay to Listen

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Other Resources

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Notes

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