A Marian Triptych:
Rhapsody, Narrative and Prayer

- Leo Nestor

PDF Sample

Use: Marian
Required Resources: Soprano and baritone cantors, SATB choir, congregation, organ
Language: English

Dr. Leo Nestor, professor of sacred music at The Catholic University of America and former Director of Music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC, has given us an impressive triptych in the modern compositional style that became his hallmark at the Shrine.

This music was written on commission from Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair, New Jersey, and uses a variety of sources for its text. The congregational antiphon comes from the short versicle, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us [who have recourse to thee.]" Two alternate antiphons are also given, one from the Introit text for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the other from the Orthodox Liturgy of the Annunciation.

The first section of A Marian Triptych is for organ alone, a rhapsody on various chant motifs:

• Tota pulchra es, Maria
• Ave Maria / Sancta Maria
• Kyrie IX 'cum jubilo'
• Assumpta es Maria

The second and longest movement, is scored for two cantors (soprano and baritone), SATB choir, congregation and organ. Six verses are set between repetitions of the congregational antiphon. While the text for the first verse comes from Galations 4:4 ("When the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman …"), the remaining verses are unusual in that they set excerpts from the Vatican II document, Lumen gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. The cantors and choir have equal roles in singing these verses, and the choir adds harmonies and a descant to the antiphon repetitions.

The third movement, for cantors, choir and organ alone, sets an English translation of the Latin text, Tota pulchra es, Maria ("You are all beautiful, Mary…"). This text, found scripturally in the Book of Judith and the Song of Songs, is used liturgically at Second Vespers of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

The three movements of A Marian Triptych can be performed as a whole, although each movement can certainly stand on its own.