From the music director: A journey from minor keys to Easter joy

The choir sings during the Good Friday evening service in 2018.

By Jesse Ratcliffe

“Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church walking once more the pilgrim way of Lent, led by your cloud by day, by night your fire, moved by your love and toward your presence bent: far off yet here – the goal of all desire.”

— Eternal Lord of Love, Words by Thomas H. Cain (Hymn 149 from The 1982 Hymnal)

Jesse Ratcliffe

Selecting music for the season of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter is a balancing act. One must be careful not to choose too many pieces that dwell in the minor (or “dark”) keys; not select every Spiritual from LEVAS, capture the drama and anguish of The Passion, and not overwhelm the parish musicians with too many difficult works during Holy Week. Despite the complex process a parish musician must negotiate to plan enriching music for this season, it can also be profound. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store.

We mark the beginning of this liturgical journey on Palm Sunday with music sung by Saint James’ Episcopal School students and Saint James’ Children’s Chapel Choristers. The handbells will accompany our palm procession into the church, and the adult choir will offer music celebrating the triumphal entry and a reflection on the Passion.

On Maundy Thursday, when we recall the first celebration of communion, we will be enveloped by simple, yet beautiful choral music and hymns. During the stripping of the altar, the choir will chant the sorrowful Twenty-Second Palm. As we recall Christ’s death on Good Friday, the choir will lead the liturgy unaccompanied from the back of the nave, leaving the chancel barren.

Saturday evening, beginning in darkness, just like Christ’s tomb, we will recall the saving acts of God outlined in three readings from the Old Testament. Following these lessons, we will sing a hymn paraphrase of a psalm accompanied by a string quartet. At the Easter moment, the choir, organ, and string quartet will usher in the new season. During communion we’ll hear a string quartet reduction of Barber’s Adagio for Strings.

Easter Day will be robust with music. The early service will feature organ and choral music. The 10:15 will include Beethoven’s bombastic Hallelujah Chorus - the same anthem that was sung during our 2016 Bicentennial Celebration. During the eucharist, the choir will offer a delicate anthem using text from the Burial Rite (BCP 501).

As you experience the width and breadth of the music of this season, I hope that it adds to your journey to the cross and from the grave.

As always, my inbox and office door are always open for questions.

Musically Yours,

Jesse Ratcliffe

Jesse is the music director and organist. Contact him at music@saintjameswarrenton.org.