Some thoughts as we embark on the Lenten journey

19th February, 2021

As part of our Lenten journey here at the Cathedral, our Vocal Ensemble is singing at the Stations of the Cross each Friday at 5:30pm.

They will sing (as prelude and choral postludes) the entire cycles of Tenebrae Responsories and the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah of master Renaissance composer Tomas Luis da Victoria (1548 – 1611).  These sublime pieces are some of the most poignant utterances honouring and drawing us into contemplation of the mysteries of the Passion and Death of Jesus.

I thought it might be a great idea for us to hear some thoughts from some of our singers from the Vocal Ensemble:

‘For many Christmas is their favourite time in the Christian calendar but for me it is the season of Lent. Why? Because it has the best music!

Hello. I’m Sharon and I’m a chorister with St Mary’s Cathedral Vocal Ensemble. I first sang Lenten music when I joined the Cathedral Singers, then under the direction of Dr Geoffrey Cox, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne. Growing up in Alice Springs there wasn’t the opportunity for exposure to the rich tradition of Catholic Lenten music and when I first heard it it was a revelation.

What I love about this music is the quiet subtlety, the cry to ‘attend’ inherent within it. Lent’s themes of wilderness and betrayal, captured in mood and intensity, is the beauty of the music. Each composer’s depth of connection with God is expressed through their music and it is wonderful for me to participate in that same feeling, that connection, unbroken by time and distance, resounding throughout the ages. It is this connection which gives these works such vitality. What makes them sublime as they extend the reasoned word into the deeply felt word—a word stretched beyond earthly meanings and imaginings.

Having sung much of the repertoire over the last twenty years I’m delighted that Jacinta has once again programmed Victoria’s Tenebrae Responsories for this Lenten season. Being a part of St Mary’s Vocal Ensemble for not quite two years, last year would have been my first time singing them at St Mary’s and I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, Covid struck and Lent for 2020 became synonymous with giving up many favourite things which we didn’t necessarily choose!

For the 2021 season two or three of the responsories will be sung every Friday during Stations of the Cross ensuring the whole cycle of eighteen is covered. Much of this music is now performed in concert settings or in recordings but this not how it was intended to be received or given. Sacred music is not an entertainment but a reflection, an offering, and I am very fortunate to be able to sing this sacred music within its sacred setting. Sadly, it is becoming too rare.

The other work we are singing during Stations of the Cross is the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah. Here, the tetragrammaton, the unpronounceable name of God, is beautifully intoned throughout nine sections. With mastery of composition, Victoria has his voices cascading, rising and falling, each falling voice picked up by a different rising voice reflecting how we fall but rise again continually lifted up. A cry for Jerusalem to convert to God concludes each section. This one plea, repeated over and over, the constant light in a world of darkness’. – Sharon Leahy

‘Hi. My name is Keaton Staszewski-Hose. I am a recent graduate from WAAPA, where I studied voice with Michael Lewis (OAM) for the past four years. This year I commence work on an honours project based on the Lieder of Prince Albert (Husband of Queen Victoria). Inclusive of his tuneful works, my interests range from the most erudite of Bach arias, to the mystical realm of French chanson – and the lighter operatic repertoire which I am steadily investigating. I joined the Vocal Ensemble in June last year and have since been impressed with the Church’s rich musical and religious traditions. Whatever may be said about my experience of music so far, it has certainly taken some time getting used to a four-lined clef! Our affable director Jacinta regularly encourages us to develop in our identity as professional musicians, from independent study of our pieces outside rehearsal, to a dignified procession on Sunday mornings. There is a real sense of ensemble growing as we make the most of the Cathedral’s generous acoustic. Something unique about singing in the Vocal Ensemble is the mixture of quality music making and devotion. My colleagues are wonderful examples of this. It is a real privilege to combine my love of music with service to the Church. I look forward to singing plenty more glorious music as Lent approaches, to the glory of our Lord!’   – Keaton Staszewski-Hose

Stations of the Cross

St Mary’s Cathedral

Each Friday during Lent at 5:30pm (prelude music starts at 5:15pm)