THE FOUR COPLAND MOTETS

By Tim Claubaugh

Throughout the year, the St. Mary's Parish Choir will be performing the "Four Motets" by the famous American Composer, Aaron Copland. The title of the Motets are: 1) "Help Us, O Lord;" 2) "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever;" 3) "Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord;" and 4) "Sing Ye Praises To Our King."

These four "gems" were written by Copland in 1921 while he was studying with the famous composition professor Nadia Boulanger in Paris.

Two of the four motets are "Penitential" and therefore are very well suited for Lent (I. "Help Us, O Lord" and III. "Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord"). Of the set, these two are the most "haunting" in their sound as well as very profound.

The other 2 motets (II. "Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever" and IV. "Sing Ye Praises to Our King") are more joyous and motets of praise which can be done anytime during the year.

Besides being sung at various 9:30 Masses throughout the year, all four of these motets will be performed at the 27th annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.