Veni Creator Spiritus

Use: Pentecost, Confirmation, Ordination, General
Required Resources: 2-pt mixed choir, organ
Language: English and Latin

In Derek Fry's setting of Veni Creator Spiritus we have a skillful two-part mixed arrangement of one of the most popular chants. Certainly appropriate for Pentecost Sunday and its vigil, this piece can also be used for Confirmation and Ordination liturgies, and any time as an invocation of the Spirit's aid.

The first verse of the chant hymn occurs in men's voices and the treble voices, preceded by each group singing the English countermelody with the elegant Bishop Cosin translation of the Latin text. The two (chant & countermelody) are sung together, and repeated, switching voices. The work ends with full organ chords accompanying the last verse ("Deo Patri sit gloria...") of the chant hymn sung in unison. The chant (in 6/8 time) and the countermelody (in 2/4 time) combine in mild polyrhythmic texture, adding great interest to the middle verses. The composer's skill is evident throughout, in that these two meters are easily sung together by the choir halves.

Derek Fry has been a church organist from the age of 13. He has broadcast organ recitals on the BBC and taught in some senior schools before becoming head of music at The Northern Grammar School. His last teaching appointment was as head of music at Saint John's Cathedral Choir School, Portsmouth, England. He has been organist of the same Cathedral since 1976.