Does Our Music Say "Lent"?

Part II: Hymn Suggestions, Organ, and More!

The following are some excellent, though often overlooked, Lenten hymns:

• Again We Keep This Solemn Fast
• Ah, Holy Jesus
• Alas and Did My Savior Bleed
• Draw Near, O Lord
• Forgive Our Sins
• Forty Days and Forty Nights
• Giver of the Perfect Gift
• Lord Jesus, Think on Me
• My Song Is Love Unknown
• Take Up thy Cross
• Turn Back, O Man
• What Wondrous Love

An old custom has the organ silent during Lent. Current rubrics require that the organ be used for accompaniment purposes only, except for Laetare Sunday and Solemnities and Feasts. If used for these exceptions, Lenten organ music should not be more of what is played during Ordinary Time, but should have a character of its own.

Consider other ways of saying "Lent" through music. Gregorian chant can be used either by a small choral group of men or women (a chant hymn or one of the introits) or even by the congregation (an easy Mass setting). Many parishes eliminate the Closing Song during Lent, with the priest and ministers leaving in silence. Some sing a Closing Song without accompaniment, led by the choir or cantor. The Penitential Rite should be emphasized during Lent, perhaps by singing a "Kyrie" or "Lord, Have Mercy."

Purple tells our eyes it's Lent; texts tell our mind it's Lent; prayers tell our hearts it's Lent. Does the music tell our ears it's Lent?