Music for First Sunday in Lent
As we enter the season of Lent, marked by solemnity and inward reflection, we will continue to observe an Anglican tradition: a reduction in our use of the organ, or a “fasting” from some of its resources typically heard at Solemn Mass. While some organ voluntaries will still be played, they will be of a more contemplative nature. Indeed, you might notice a new marking just after the postlude in your service booklet requesting that we honour the silent reflection of those leaving the sanctuary.
The postlude (or closing voluntary in some traditions) originates from a chant of the Mass ordinary called “Ite missa est,” where the priest would chant “Mass is ended.” Over the centuries, a tradition evolved where organists would improvise the chant after it was sung, providing a musical reflection on the preceding prayer. The music that followed the Ite missa est evolved into our current notion of a postlude, providing a moment of reflection while members of the altar party continue their recession towards the exit.
The postlude is as much an offering to God as the introit we sing at the very beginning of this Mass, meant to focus our minds and hearts on our sung, spoken, or inward prayers. No matter how grateful the organist may be for an outpouring of applause in the moments following a challenging voluntary, a comment of appreciation at coffee hour is equally meaningful. Thus, we request a moment of silent meditation as the congregation exists after each postlude at Solemn Mass.
Abraham Ross
Solemn Mass takes place at St. James’ Anglican Church, Vancouver at 10:30 am every Sunday.