Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was one of the foremost French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th Century composers. Today, the Chorale sings his lyrical Cantique de Jean Racine at the Offertory. As we are called to follow Christ and become his disciples, the text of the anthem is one of humble supplication, calling upon the “Eternal Light of the earth and the sky” to dwell within and to awaken our souls, that we might tell of God’s mercy. This work for choir and organ was written by the 19-year-old composer during his final year in the École Niedermeyer de Paris and won the young Fauré first prize in the school’s annual composition competition. Frequently performed, Cantique de Jean Racine continues to be a favorite and a staple of the choral repertoire.
During the Ministration, we hear the familiar hymn “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,” sung to the elegant unison tune St. Helena as composed by Calvin Hampton, a leading American organist and composer in the mid-20th century. He served as organist and choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church in Manhattan for 20 years. Before Hampton’s death, Erik Routley, an authority on church music at that time, called Hampton “the greatest living composer of hymn tunes.” His settings of the Episcopal Liturgy are also widely used in Catholic churches. Six of his hymns are included in our hymnal as well as his settings of service music.
As both of our offerings this morning include a part for solo oboe, we welcome oboist Grace Tice to our worship. Grace freelances in Houston and is well-known in church music circles, as she is often requested to play at churches throughout the area. In 2021, she was featured on the CD “A Love So Fierce: the complete solo organ work of David Ashley White” recorded by cathedral organist Daryl Robinson at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston.
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