A Communion Setting for the new Millennium 

I set out to write a new Setting for the (then) Rite A Communion Service from the ASB (Alternative Services Book). This developed over several years and Version 1 was first sung at Woodnesborough, East Kent in around 1998/9, after being scrutinised by a local musician who gave useful advice about many points of detail. The service having otherwise been said throughout, the various musical parts were sung monthly. It became apparent that some refinements were needed and when I moved to Bovey Tracey in Devon in 2001, I referred the setting, now named "A Communion Setting for the New Millennium" or Millennium Setting, to one or two local musicians who again helped with the refinement process. In this improved form it was sung throughout the summer at St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas of Canterbury (PPT), Bovey Tracey and, following my move to St Luke's Torquay, has been sung there intermittently since Easter 2003 and continuously from Easter to Sunday before Advent 2007, then dropping the Gloria for the season of preparation but continuing with the remainder.

Version 3 has been developed for two reasons:

1. In V2 the introduction to the Gloria was short (just two bars) - fine for services in which items are announced; but at St Luke's we were moving away from announcements and two bars does not give the congregation sufficient time to get to their feet and be prepared to sing so extra bars have been added.

2. Another referral to the local Diocesan Music and Worship advisor identified a need for some embellishment of the quieter middle section. In Version 2 it looks and feels as though it is about to change key but does not do so. In Version 3 I have allowed a natural key change to take place. The rising tones of We worship You, we give You thanks, we praise You for your glory... move from C to Eb very comfortably and the middle section therefore is now in the latter key. It all reverts to C major again at Receive our prayer...

So there it is - Version 3 which is now included in St Luke's various settings.

Why retain Version 2? By staying in C major it may be somewhat more practical for music groups. I have not initially set out to re-write the setting for instrumentalists although it has always been intended that this setting would lend itself to many styles. I can envisage a situation where the Gloria for example could be played using quite a full orchestra or small band with different instruments taking many parts. At St Luke's I was able to place the score in front of the musicians and highlight parts for Flute, Piano, Guitar, Keyboard and within a few minutes it all fell into place.

A version 4 has been prepared. This just tidies up some loose ends and is really perhaps 3a. [update to be continued...]

Common Worship has introduced several options with eight Eucharistic Prayers (A-H).
The following table shows what I have included/omitted to set to music:

Additional responses Sanctus Acclamations Benediction
A
To you be glory and praise for ever.
D
This is our song:
Hosanna in the highest.
F
Amen. Lord, we believe.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
H
You embraced us as your children
and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.
He opened his arms of love upon the cross
and made for all the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him:
His body is the bread of life.
Father, we do this in remembrance of him:
his blood is shed for all.
As we eat and drink these holy gifts
make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.		 ALL

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

(including shorter Sanctus - H)

 A,B,C,E,G

Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.

When we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim your death,
Lord Jesus.

Dying you destroyed our death,
rising you restored our life,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Lord, by your cross and resurrection
you have set us free.
You are the Saviour of the world.

 A,D,G

Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever.
Amen.

Amen
(wherever on its own, usually where
the Benediction is not included)

The following samples of the music can be seen in picture format:

Page 1 of Gloria full setting Here is part of the Gloria. At present it is a large image. Any smaller and the staff lines disappear! I'm still working on that one!

This is Version 2. Version 3 has extra bars at the beginning and in the last bar the chords are Bb major to lead to the middle section in Eb. Otherwise the setting is identical.
Agnus Dei (complete)

This is intended to be sung unaccompanied by a choir, but there will be opportunities to add other instruments such as a harp (real if you can get one!) but a good quality "harp" on a keyboard or a good classical guitar would work.

For more information, please contact me: clivesmusic@aol.com

Pages by MoorWeb
August 2008