Like many, I have a summer "pick-up" choir that meets 30 minutes before mass. In that short time span, I have to find music that can be learned on the spot. Last week, I remembered James Richardson's "Tantum Ergo" that can be heard/seen on his Servium Scores Youtube channel.
The musical setting is absolutely charming. My singers "got it" on the first try. At the non-choir masses, a tenor soloist sang "Tantum Ergo" to great effect. Even though it is easy, "Tantum Ergo" is of high quality and is worth a look.
The organ accompaniment fills out the sound. There is a Faure-esque feeling to the music.
After one of the masses, a young couple asked if "Tantum Ergo" could be sung at their wedding.
Disclaimer: I do not know James. I have used some of his Psalm settings, and they are fabulous, too.
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