Funeral Mass

- Colin Brumby

PDF Sample

Use: Funeral
Required Resources: cantor, congregation, organ
Language: English

Funeral Masses are always difficult occasions for music planning. Music directors are often torn between the wishes of the family (perhaps a "favorite song" of questionable appropriateness) and the rubrics and desires of the Church in her liturgy. Beyond this, the desire for a solemn and dignified Funeral Mass often calls for the inclusion of congregational singing. This is relatively easy regarding hymnody but becomes immensely difficult when a Mass setting is to be chosen. Even if we only considered the Catholics attending the Liturgy, there are numerous parish homes involved with varied musical styles and repertoires. A common Mass setting may be hard to find. And then there are numerous mourners from other faith backgrounds. How does one effectively invite all these people into musical participation?

Dr. Brumby offers one answer: his Funeral Mass uses a traditional call-and-response technique wherein the cantor sings a short phrase which is repeated by the congregation. This simple format allows anyone to participate in the musical Mass setting, even if they've never sung it before.

Brumby's Funeral Mass includes all the liturgical music elements one finds in the Liturgy:

• Introit: Eternal rest grant unto them/him/her, O Lord …
• Responsorial Psalm: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want / Psalm 23
• Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, with verse "Come, you whom my Father has blessed…"
• Sanctus
• Mystery of Faith: We proclaim your Death, O Lord…
• Doxology/Amen
• Agnus Dei
• Final Commendation: Saints of God, come to their/his/her aid…

There is cohesion among the musical movements: all are in the key of E-flat major or c minor, the latter often ending on the major Dominant chord. The practicality of this Funeral Mass setting is apparent; the well-written music adds greatly to its usefulness in any parish situation.