Do you need a Sacred pause in the Busyness of Life?
Do you ever feel so busy and stretched-thin, that you know you should stop, and take a minute for some simple “centering”? However, maybe like me, you have no idea what is the best– and quickest– way to take a calming breath, so you just push-on forward in full stress-mode.
Music has always been one way that I have been able to take that “centering” moment in the busyness of life. This was the thought process behind my upcoming album, Deus Ibi Est. I wanted to offer people something that wasn’t just music, but a musical prayer. I wanted to offer a way to quiet the noise of life and help people return to stillness in the most unobtrusive way: music.
This week, I’m thrilled to share that the first single from Deus Ibi Est is now live:
🎵 “Pange Lingua” is an ancient hymn that offers the listener 3 minutes and 24 seconds of reflection, peace, and presence. You can hear it now with this link:
https://carlyyork.hearnow.com
This chant hymn has been sung for many hundreds of years, and the haunting tune has been used as inspiration for larger musical works by great composers such as Josquin des Prez, J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, and even the great American Jazz composer David Brubeck. Below, I am attaching an image of the song printed in neume notation from the “Vesperale Romanum” published in 1913 by the Societe d'Editions du Chant Gregorien. I thought you might be interested in seeing one way that this hymn was printed and used over 100 years ago. In our modern day, it is most often sung on Holy Thursday and for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. I have also sung this hymn as a communion procession during Mass.
The long and impressive history of this simple chant hymn shows us the power of music to move hearts and minds. If this beautiful poetry by St. Thomas Aquinas and moving melody has inspired other people over the centuries, maybe it can help us find that “centering” moment today.
If you’re observing Lent this year, consider letting this track become part of your daily rhythm. Or just play it once, with eyes closed and heart open.
I’ll be sharing more soon about the other songs. You can also hear this song at my upcoming recital on March 30, 2025, at 4:00PM, at the Parish of St. Mary in Colts Neck, NJ. But for now, may this song speak peace into your day.
