Durufle's Tantum Ergo
  • JulieCollJulieColl
    Posts: 2,465
    Just wondering if Durufle's Tantum Ergo can be sung as a Communion motet at an EF Missa Cantata on Corpus Christi Sunday? I would say yes, since it's a Eucharistic hymn, but I've been told that the Tantum Ergo can't be sung during Mass, but only at Benediction.

    Any advice on this would be appreciated.

    I think it's incredibly beautiful, but in case you've never heard it before here's a rendition by the Armenian Chamber Voices:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBHIbaF664w
  • marajoymarajoy
    Posts: 783
    I've wondered that myself. But I am 90% sure that there is no legislation which forbids it during Mass, so, my conclusion is... why not use it? It's just a text praising the Blessed Sacrament.
    Thanked by 1JulieColl
  • kevinfkevinf
    Posts: 1,190
    We sang it regularly at the EF where I worshiped for a while.
    Great piece. I use it now at my OF masses.
    Thanked by 1JulieColl
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,611
    The motets all make lovely organ pieces - along with the Messiaen O Sacrum Convivium - but don't bother asking the Durufle family permission to publish them that way.

    For choirs that can't afford the Durufle music, the Severac is also lovely:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfeQ8pXOYXA
    It's free for download in The Catholic Choirbook Anthology, as is this:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogC9Wmmkpoc
    Which I think is more beautiful than the Durufle or Severac!

    Thank you, Kevin Allen. This work defines the word Frisson.
    Thanked by 2JulieColl R J Stove
  • GavinGavin
    Posts: 2,799
    "I've been told that the Tantum Ergo can't be sung during Mass, but only at Benediction."

    Whoever said that was only staying their own opinion. Which is a fine opinion, though I disagree with it. I think you should consider the reasons pro and con, and make your own decision.
    Thanked by 1JulieColl
  • BenBen
    Posts: 3,114
    I highly doubt it is banned. It's a Eucharistic text by Aquinas that is found in the holy Thursday liturgy.

    That's like saying you can't use a polyphonic crucem tuam on the feast of the holy Cross as a motet because it is from Good Friday.
    Thanked by 1JulieColl
  • JulieCollJulieColl
    Posts: 2,465
    Thanks for the great advice, and we'll carry on with Durufle with a clear conscience. : ) The nice thing about it is that the sopranos all know their part since it's such a familiar melody which cuts down on a lot of work. Fortunately, we already have the music from Sheet Music Plus so we're ready to go.

    Thanks also for the suggestion of Severac's Tantum Ergo. I'll be sure to look it up.

    Now I have the green light with Kevin Allen's Tantum Ergo as well which I've been hesitant to do for the same reason. It really is beautiful, and I understand what you mean by "Frisson"---it's almost unearthly.

    We know 5 of the Kevin Allen's Motecta Trium Vocum already and they are so useful. I have to keep from overusing them since I'm always tempted to pull one of them out of the hat in a crunch but I don't want people to get tired of them so I try to use them judiciously.
  • MHIMHI
    Posts: 324
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