We are getting rid of our old huge wooden cross that hangs over the middle aisle, because our Bishop said it looks unsafe (He's right. I avoid walking under it if I can.) We are replacing it with a very nice crucifix that will hang above the altar. I'm looking for suggestions for a nice chant, hymn etc. that would go well with the blessing of the crucifix this weekend. Any suggestions?
The Adoremus Hymnal has a translation of the Vexilla regis set to the tune AGINCOURT, on page 381. It's quite nice, and a good pairing of text and tune.
Just sang that as Entrance after the SEP Introit Sunday, Ger, as consummate a British hymn as Jerusalem or Thaxted. Add that gorgeous descant, i'm in heaven....heaven...
First, let me second all the great (and utterly predictable) suggestions I've seen here.
As it happens, I wrote a setting of Nos Autem Gloriari, the introit for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, for SATB, as a birthday present for my wife a few years ago. If I can put my hands on it in the near term, would you like to see a copy? It incorporates the tune CRUCIFER. (This probably belongs in Ben Yanke's thread about what we do in our spare time.)
I'd love to show a picture. Actually I made a video using pictures and a recording of 'Lift High the Cross', but stupid me I can't figure out how to share it. It worked out very well and we were all dramatic for the first weekend. Since we can raise and lower the crucifix now, before Mass began we had it lowered and during the procession of 'Lift High the Cross' we raised it after he inscensed it. As soon as the crucifix started being raised I changed my registration on the organ to make it more dramatic sounding. Yes, the process was probably a bit corny and overly dramatic, but it was kind of neat; even if I couldn't really see it being raised very well, because I was bit busy.
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