Veni, Sancte Spiritus
by Z. Randall Stroope
SSA - Sheet Music

SSA choir, organ or piano (SSA choir)

SKU: AN.AMP-0935

Composed by Z. Randall Stroope. Octavo. Alliance Music Publications #AMP 0935. Published by Alliance Music Publications (AN.AMP-0935).

Stroope.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Latin: Come, Holy Spirit) is the second movement of Missa by Z. Randall Stroope. Sanctus (AMP 0917) and Lux Aeterna (AMP 0275) are the first and fourth movements, respectively. Missa is not intended to be a complete mass, per se, but rather a collection of only four movements, each of which highlights an emotional color in a larger tapestry. The underlying sense of the work is meditative, accented by occasional spikes of bold emotion. Organ is preferable, but an accompaniment for piano is included for occasions where an organ is not available or practical.

In preparing Veni, Sancte Spiritus, the singers should be cognizant of how the various phrases in each section build like ocean waves approaching the shore, culminating in a unified impact. For instance, the first vocal phrase (bars 6-7) should lead to and energize the second (bars 8-9), which leads to the third and strongest phrase so far (bars 10-14). This phrasal architecture permeates the work, and intensifies the emotion of the text.

The two vocal soloists, although notated as Soprano 1 & 2, can be selected from any section of the choir. They should stand together to regulate balance and blend. The tone color and artistic sense should emulate transparency, pristine tuning, and sensitive interplay of sound. To ensure a successful balance with the organ, the director might want to consider locating the soloists down stage.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus is dedicated to my friend, Henry Leck.