Simple Eucharistic Triptych

- Colin Brumby

PDF Sample

Use: Eucharist, Communion
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: English

This collection is made up of three homophonic Eucharistic settings. The texts come from British clergymen, with varied backgrounds:

1. Rev. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) – A high church Anglican priest most noted for his carol Good King Wenceslaus; he also has many common hymn translations to his credit, including All Glory, Laud and Honour; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; and Of the Father's Love Begotten.
2. Rev. Philipp Doddridge (1702-1751) – A Congregationalist minister, the father of nine children and some 400 hymns, which he wrote as summaries of his homilies, distributed thereafter to aid in remembering the ideas.
3. Fr. Francis Stanfield (1835-1914) – A Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster, like all the others here, was born in London; he was a friend of Charles Dickens, and wrote hymn texts for various occasions; the tune for Sweet Sacrament is also his.

The motets, written in chorale style, set the texts in reflective Eucharistic style:

1. Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord (John Mason Neale) – is in d minor, with refreshing forays into F Major, B-flat Major, A-flat Major and C Major.
2. My God, and Is Your Table Spread (Philipp Doddridge) – in g minor (with Picardy Third to conclude), has quite comfortable vocal ranges, as do all these pieces.
3. Sweet Sacrament Divine (Francis Stanfield) – in E-flat Major, reflects in four verses on the themes: "Sacrament divine," "Sacrament of peace," "Sacrament of rest," and "Sacrament of light."

This is a beautiful collection of easy and effective Communion music, that can enhance the vast panorama of Ordinary Time liturgies.