The 3rd Sunday in Lent

Dear Friends,

On this Laetare Sunday, we take something of a break from the solemn fasting of the season currently surrounding us. Who better to take our minds away from sombre matters than Puccini? Celebrated as one of opera’s greatest composers, his background was firmly rooted in music for the church. Indeed, early on in his career he held the post of Maestro di capella at the cathedral of San Paolina in Lucca. Just as he was determining that his career would be on the stage rather than in the sanctuary, he composed a setting of the mass that we today know as his Messa di Gloria. It was well-received at its first performance but not heard again in his life-time. 

 

Now firmly established in the choral repertoire, it is an uncomplicated, joyful work written in - yes - a rather operatic style, and really rather impressive for an 18-year-old musician setting out on his career. As Glorias, even on Refreshment Sunday, are not to be sung, we listen here to the Kyrie which begins with an enveloping string introduction. It reaches a climax at ‘Christe eleison’ before returning to the calm of the opening mood. Here is Antonio Pappano conducting the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra in a fine recording of the movement: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oF5hC1NeRsc

 

And on this Mothering Sunday, we commit ourselves again to the maternal care of Mary, our Blessed Lady, mother of us all. Here is that glorious hymn, Sing we of the Blessed Mother, which takes us in narrative form through the life of obedience, sorrow and joy of the one who is now Queen of Grace, ever interceding for us in heaven. You can listen to it here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O5W9aKOOhOE