It was truly a very happy Easter vigil for the Schola. The 4 pm Easter vigil Mass at Queen of Peace saw perhaps its highest attendance ever--a sound estimate put the numbers at 400--and it appears to have outdone the Ordinary Form Mass at 8 pm! We had the opportunity to perform Haydn's Kleine Orgelmesse (Little Organ Mass) for the second year in a row, which was certainly a great joy. Musically, this Easter vigil was quite the treat for the parishioners, not just because we performed the lovely Haydn Mass, but because the Priestly Fraternity permitted John, our bass singer, to perform a beautiful Loeillet piece on his oboe during communion. As such, the FSC once again demonstrated its diversity of talent and adaptability, delving into both instrumental and, in this case, classical period repertoire.
I dare not forget Father Remski's commenting in his sermon that the FSC is the best Extraordinary Form choir in Florida. We were thinking more along the lines of the Southeast but, hey, we're grateful for the accolade. Look out Tallis Scholars!
Well, with Easter Mass now done and the university school year wrapping up, the Schola's pace will also begin to wind down as a number of our members go home for the summer. Given the diminished numbers, summer tends to be a time to focus on less ambitious (but nonetheless lovely) polyphonic works as well to hone in on our chant execution. Happy summer to our singers going home for vacation!
And a very happy and blessed Easter to all!
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