The Breath of God
For SAB Choir (or trio) with a few added notes if you have some extra voices, random handbells, and recorded wind. In the tradition of Musique concrète (a form of electroacoustic music that utilizes recorded sound as a compositional resource), this piece uses a recording of wind as the background to the Pentecost chant Veni Creator Spiritus. We suggest having the Pentecost reading (Acts 2: 1-21) between the verses, but these readings could easily be changed or even left out entirely. Not for everyone, certainly, but if you're looking for something totally unexpected to bring a new perspective to the Day of Pentecost, this might be it! Could also be done as the Gospel Reading for the day, or even as an introit with other substitute readings.
The mp3 recording of the wind can be downloaded from the "EXTRAS" ZIP File, then made into a CD. Our suggestion would be to play it through the PA system adjusting the volume up and down as need be. The recording is quite long, and can be faded out as the piece concludes.
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
and lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
the dullness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
with the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far from foes, give peace at home:
where thou art guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
and thee, of both, to be but One,
that through the ages all along,
this may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.