Suggestions for Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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My schola will be singing a Latin Mass for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14. Since it is just around the corner with minimal rehearsal time, keeping it simple, we will chant the Rossini propers and chant the ordinary (probably Missa De Angelis). However, I need suggestions for other chants/hymns appropriate for the Exaltation. My schola does not read music very well, so trying to keep 4 part hymns simple, yet beautiful. Is "Vexilla Regis proderunt," a Good Friday Chant, appropriate for the Exaltation, given that it is a hymn in honor of the Holy Cross. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
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Crux Fidelis actually has parts of the Mass propers for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in it.Thanked by 1LenaH
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Vexilla Regis is, indeed, appropriate. Also, Crux Fidelis and Crucem Tuam (both from Good Friday Liturgy as well). Adoramus Te might be a nice piece in parts if you are more adventurous. The Dubois is pretty easy, and commonly known in TLM circles.
Something else you might consider would be Stabat Mater (particularly given that the Seven Sorrows is the next day). Here is a simple 4 part arrangement, or you could do the chant sequence for the feast of the Seven Sorrows, or simply the melody as is used at the Stations.
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The Vexilla Regis and the Pange Lingua (Crux Fidelis) were originally written for the Holy Cross.
For The Vexilla Regis you will find a special line to be used on the Feast of the Exaltation Verse 9 in the edition linked below,
You will also find other Hymns written for this Feast on that page,
https://societyofstbede.wordpress.com/2014/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross/
Another option is the Sequence for the Holy Cross 'Laudes Crucis'. -
Tangential reference to a visual: there's a lovely 19th century enamelled glass window in the south transept of Boston's recently renovated Cathedral of the Holy Cross, depicting the legend of Emperor Heraclius bearing the relic of the Cross into the Holy Sepulchre after the recovery of Jerusalem from the Sassanid Persian empire, in AD 629 on the anniversary of the dedication of the original basilica in AD 326 (the feast's date might be called a synaxis of that dedication):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDEb2_LXYAUuGB_.jpg
Closer view:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewmasi/48049839161/in/album-72157709050512687/
Thanked by 1LenaH -
Palestrina's beautiful O Crux Ave is one of the verses of the Vexilla Regis; we will sing this.Thanked by 1Incardination
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I wrote an SATB setting of Nos Autem Gloriari as a birthday present for my wife (whose birthday is 14 September) nearly 10 years ago. If I can still find the MS, I can try to post it here.Thanked by 1Incardination
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Voila.
Comments welcome.
Use permitted. -
bumping
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bumping: The Triumph of the Holy Cross is September 14th (also sometimes called "Summorum Pontificum Day" -- but should it be called "Juneteenth" on account of the vacatio legis?
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