By Mark Emerson Donnelly
Composer-in-Residence
Veni Creator Spiritus
Gregorian Chant (9th Century)
Organum Novi Mundi
by Mark Emerson Donnelly (1990)
(Links to both the PDF and practice video below)
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It seems to be a universal sentiment in the literature of ancient Greece, that all artists (poets, sculptors, musicians, playwrights, etc.) create by motive from the heavenly Muses. These daughters of Zeus were thought to infuse the mind of the artist with a creativity not attainable through mortal reason alone.
I think the Greeks got things partially right; the creative urge is divine, but not from “the Muses.” As a Catholic composer, I think (and feel) that the inspiration to create is from the Holy Spirit. That’s what the word “inspiration” means, to be infused with the spirit.
Forty days after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus ascended, leaving His fragile few gazing up into the heavens. But He promised not to leave them (and us!) orphaned. He would send an Advocate, a Comforter.
As the Apostles did 2,000 years ago, we begin the novena of novenas, the original nine days of prayer, to prepare for the descent of the Paraclete (Comforter) on Pentecost!
The vespers hymn for the Feast of Pentecost, “Veni Creator Spiritus,” is the best known Gregorian Chant in honour of this supreme Comforter. Though the authorship is not known for certain (it’s even been ascribed to Charlemagne), most scholars attribute it to Blessed Rabanus Maurus, O.S.B. (c.776-856).
As we struggle through the wearying protocols coincident with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it may be a good idea to turn to God-the-Spirit. If, when writing the “Veni Creator,” Blessed Rabanus really was inspired by the Third Person of the Trinity, then the Holy Spirit is our Comforter (verse 2), will pour love into our hearts and strengthen our bodies (verse 4), and drive off our foes and help us avoid harm [literally, avert that which is noxious!] (verse 5).
I think we all could use some of that stuff right now!
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What Is “Organum Novi Mundi”?!
Well, for the record, it has NOTHING to do with the New World Order!
Here’s the description from my Wikipedia page:
Organum Novi Mundi (organum of the new world) is a Gregorian compositional technique pioneered by Mark Emerson Donnelly in 1989. Drawing on the tradition and inspiration of Medieval Organum, Donnelly combines this with the harmonic development of the high Renaissance. Sung in the same rhythmic manner of the original Gregorian plainsong, ONM expands on and embellishes the chant’s simple beauty without drawing the mind of the listener away from the text. Often alternated with unison plainchant, ONM may be in two to six parts. To date, Donnelly has produced dozens of these compositions for parochial use.
Well, that’s it in a nutshell. I hope you like the score and practice video that follow.
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Score: Veni Creator Spiritus (ONM-MED)
NOTE: Sorry, this is an old score (no word accents or translation). But I wanted to give you something you could use for Pentecost, and still have enough time to prepare it! When I get the new one finished, I’ll make it available.
(The score is margin-optimized for reading on a tablet or phone. It can still be printed in Adobe Reader, using the “Actual size” setting.)
YouTube: Veni Creator Spiritus (OFFERTORIUM, May 14, 2020)
For practice use only (at least primarily; you are allowed to enjoy listening to it).
ONM Performance Practice Notes
- I consider the rhythmic and expressive style of the “Old Solesmes Method” integral to Organum Novi Mundi. This is reflected in the performance on the video.
- Over the years, we have found that, if the chord inversions are not affected, it is often best to have one male voice double the chant tune on the ONM verses. (I’m the melody guy on this recording.)
God bless and happy singing!
Mark
markemersondonnelly.com
VocalArt.ca (YouTube)
PS – Please share this with others (make sure you encourage them to sign up for my newsletter).
PPS – Donations and prayers are always welcome!
- Una Voce Canada (select “MED Composer” from dropdown menu; Revenue Canada tax receipt available)
- WonderWe – Mark Emerson Donnelly: Catholic Composer
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Come Creator Spirit,
And visit the minds of Thy people:
Fill Thou with heavenly grace
The hearts which Thou hast made.
2. O Thou Who art called the Comforter,
The gift of God most High,
The living Wellspring, Fire, Charity,
And spiritual Anointing.
3. Thou givest sevenfold gifts of grace,
O finger of the Father’s right hand:
Thou art truly the promise of the Father,
Endowing our throats with holy speech.
4. Enkindle Thou light in our senses,
Pour Thou love into our hearts,
And the weaknesses of our bodies
Strengthen Thou with Thine unfailing strength.
5. Drive Thou far away our foe,
And continually grant us Thy peace;
For with Thee thus going before us as our guide,
We may avoid all harm.
6. Grant that through Thee we may know the Father,
And come to know the Son;
And may we trust in Thee at all times,
Who art the Spirit of Them both.
7. To God the Father be glory,
And to the Son who hath risen from the dead,
And also to the Holy Comforter,
Forever, world without end. Amen.
