For Good Friday we
are going to do an a capella service. I will lead all the hymns
vocally and I will sing two pieces unaccompanied. My hope is that the
lack of instruments will allow for a very somber and reflective
service. The acoustics in our sanctuary are gorgeous and it is the
perfect space for this type of approach.
The first of the
two pieces that I will be singing is O Sacred Head, one that
you are familiar with, but I will be doing it in French. The second
is a piece called Canzonetta spirituale alla sopra nanna by
Tarquinio Merula. It is one of the most heart-breaking pieces I know.
It is a very old Italian lullaby which Mary is singing to the baby
Jesus in which she is saying “it's time to sleep, let me comfort
you now, for the day is coming when horrible things will happen to
you.” The piece goes back and forth between her imploring him to
sleep and vivid descriptions of the crucifixion.
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