A Lutheran Requiem? 1

2 A LUTHERAN REQUIEM? A review of the requiem texts and of several musical settings of them, including excerpts of pieces by living composers. How can these texts be used in Christian worship? How can they enhance the spiritual life of the congregation? Includes the singing of several accessible settings that can be used in your worship environment.

The Requiem Mass Introit Kyrie eleison Gradual Tract Sequence Offertory Sanctus Agnus Dei Communion Pie Jesu Libera Me In paradisum 3

Theologies of the Requiem Liturgical  Antoine Brumel (ca ), Requiem  W. A. Mozart ( , Requiem in D minor Non-liturgical  Heinrich Schütz ( ), Musikalische Exequien  Johannes Brahms ( ), Ein deutsches Requiem  Giuseppe Verdi ( ), Messa da Requiem  Gabriel Fauré ( ), Requiem in D minor  Bradley Ellingboe (b 1958), Requiem  Howard Goodall (b 1958), Eternal Light, A Requiem 4

A Lutheran Requiem Theological Principles  Firmly grounded in scripture  Informed throughout by the paschal spirit and the resurrection  Without intercession on behalf of the dead Liturgical Principles  Worship, not concert -- geared to the assembly's song  Musical leadership to assist in diverse gatherings  Instructional in intent (song helps inscribe texts onto our hearts)  Accessible in style: tuneful, singable, scored for piano "Nor do we sing any dirges or doleful songs over our dead and at the grave, but comforting hymns of the forgiveness of sins, of rest, sleep, life, and of the resurrection of departed Christians so that our faith may be strengthened and the people be moved to true devotion." "For vigils and requiem masses and yearly celebrations of requiems are useless, and are merely the devil's annual fair." -- Martin Luther 5

A Lutheran Requiem? Nancy M Raabe Composer in Residence Bethel Lutheran Church Grove City OH April 14, 2010