I think the tempo is spot on. There should not be a tempo variation between a concert venue and a liturgical venue. Hassler wrote the entire Missa Secunda in a light and almost dancelike style. This is not only characteristic of the musical development during that period but also of Hassler himself. Remember, he was a Lutheran writting in Augsburg for a mostly Catholic populus. He was writting in a newer style of polyphony, a concertato style, the polychoral idea, as in the freely emotional expression of the Venetians. Think madrigals.Stylistically, Hassler’s early works exhibit reflections of the influence of Lassus, while his later works are marked by the impressions left on him by his studies in Italy. After returning from Italy, Hassler incorporated polychoral techniques, textural contrasts and occasional chromaticism in his compositions. His later masses were characterized by light melodies juxtaposed with the grace and fluidity of the madrigalian dance songs; thus creating a charming sacred style that was more sonorous than it was profound.
I grew up with the latin mass and never experienced or thought of the Agnus Dei as "a most solemn moment." Neither do I (having grown up with the latin mass complete with both well executed polyphony, chant, and singing clergy) equate solemnity with sober (or somber). I think to do so is a mistake.

Dear ACLumsden,

Thanks for your interest and constructive criticism. Perhaps your quarrel is more with the composer than with our interpretation, as the entire Mass is somewhat sprightly, but you make a very good point regarding the tempo. I can't remember whether or not the subsequent performance was more moderate, but what a wonderful a capella Mass!

We are beginning to work on another Hassler Mass, the "Dixit Maria" as well as a Mass by William Byrd, so any further interest is welcome.

I want to stress that we are striving for liturgical beauty and are not merely concertizing, and so your remarks are a welcome reminder (which our choir needs no less than any other) that what we do is for the greater glory of God.

Thanks and best regards,
Jim G.

This was simply lovely. The voices blended rather well and you made a good sound. The phrasing was interesting. However, I got the impression that this was a performance - distinct from liturgical worship.

The primary thing that gave this impression was the speed at which this Agnus Dei was sung. The ethos of the words is quite lost at this speed, especially when one thinks of where in the Holy Mass this is sung - a most solemn moment. I would suggest a more sober tempo.

Therefore, liturgically speaking, this performance was less than ideal. However, as a performance of good Roman Catholic music, this was simply lovely! Thanks.

Dear jpgoeddeljr,

You are welcome! Actually I wanted to contact the choir first about uploading any videos. But I was not sure how to reach you after I left St. Louis. So I am glad to hear you are pleased. If there are any problems, please let me know.

I really enjoyed my time with the choir. Please thank the choir director and the organist for allowing me to sit in. It was great honor to join you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Peter

The Agnus Dei comes from the "Missa Secunda" by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), which the choir has been preparing for the first High Mass celebrated by our newly-ordained priest, Canon Apple, on July 26 (today!). We performed the entire Mass (excluding the Credo) and it was very well received. As a member of the choir, I'd like to thank gooddocpeter for uploading the video from July 5--I'm surprised and pleased by the audio quality. Thanks again!

Fr. Pope, thank you for having interest in this video! I traveled to St. Louis last weekend and this was my second visit to St. Francis De Sales Oratory. The Church architecture was so beautiful. And the organist and the schola were wonderful!

Father, I am so sorry I have no idea who the composer is. I could not have chance to ask because I had to leave right after the Solemn High Mass and the schola was praying hard kneeling before the Sacrament.

Is there anyone who knows who the composer is?

Thanks for this beutiful post. I embedded the video in the Blog of the Archdiocese of Washington here: blog.adw.org/2009/07/dance-time

Who is the composer of this Agnus?