25 Jun Music Notes ~ After the Prelude: Beginning to Sing (Part 1)
By Cantor Miguel Ruiz
If you follow the liturgy for the Divine Service in the hymnal, you may have noticed the red rubric at the very beginning, under the “Confession and Absolution” heading, which reads: A Hymn of Invocation may be sung. You’ll notice this rubric is missing from the daily offices (Matins, Evening Prayer, etc…). But it seems that, regardless of the liturgy, we always open the service with a hymn at Messiah Lutheran Church. Have you ever reflected on why we do this?
The rubric says may be sung, implying that this practice is not necessary. While the rites prescribe many details of worship, in several instances they give a type of “multiple choice” option. Some congregations skip this hymn and proceed immediately to the Trinitarian invocation and confession of sin. You’ll notice that, after the confession and absolution, and before the Kyrie, there is also another “multiple choice” under the “Service of the Word” heading, to sing an Introit, Psalm, or Entrance Hymn.
Some congregations, especially those not accustomed to chanting or reading the introits and psalms, sing their first hymn here. Occasionally a church might sing a hymn in both places, or possibly neither if the introit or psalm is used instead. Historically, neither of the above was considered a part of the rite, but rather, a sort of segue into it, with the Kyrie being considered the actual beginning of the liturgy. Prior to the Reformation, confession and absolution was expected to be done individually, often the day before. This will be discussed in a future “music notes.”
In these two places for a first hymn to be sung, one might often find various terminology describing them. Depending on the congregation, it could variously be called a “Hymn of Invocation” (as per the hymnal rubric), an “Opening Hymn,” or a “Processional/Entrance Hymn.” Each of these titles implies something about the practice and function of the first communal song in our gathering.
“Processional Hymn” is used in congregations where the first hymn is sung along with the procession of the cross, minister, and assistants. It can often be rather festive and celebratory, with fanfare and enthusiasm. Not all congregations practice this, so for those who do not, “Opening Hymn” simply states that it is the first song we sing together. However, “Hymn of Invocation” has an altogether different meaning. It refers to a hymn specifically chosen to address God in prayer for His presence to be among us as we gather. A hymn chosen for such purposes can often be more contemplative or prayerful, addressing the Holy Spirit and/or referencing the Trinity in whose name we are gathered.
…to be continued.
Do you have any questions about the music we use in our services? Send your questions to Miguel at [email protected], and perhaps they can be answered in a future “Music Notes!”
For more Music Notes articles regarding the prelude, click here. And for all other articles by Cantor Ruiz, and by Pastor Chryst, be sure to visit MessiahKeller.org/Blogs.