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When planning special vocal music, i. e., choir anthems, solos, or ensemble music, the following six criteria may be used:
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lectionary: text of special music should reflect or illuminate
the scripture/topic of the day as well as the liturgical season;
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accompanied or unaccompanied;
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variety in style (for contrast);
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key relationships, especially if two musical portions follow
each other;
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difficulty;i. e., does the choir have time to prepare the work
adequately?
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frequency with which a particular anthem has been sung in a
service. When choosing service music, one might ask the following
questions:
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does the mood of the anthem fit the mood of the service?
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is there sexist, racist, militaristic/imperialistic language?
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is there a place for "familiar" music; e. g., hymn anthems,
congregational participation, etc?
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are all compositional styles represented in the choir's repertoire?
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are both text and music of the highest quality?
In addition to the daily office of Evening Prayer, two weekday Eucharists, and a weekly Choral Evensong, the following Sunday worship services take place at St. Mark's Cathedral:
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8:00 a. m. Rite II Eucharist with organ music and congregational
hymns in the small chapel;
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9:00 a. m. Rite II Eucharist: informal liturgy with folk, gospel,
and world music. The St. Mark's Singers (small SATB choir) and
Cathedral Choristers (children's choir) provide special music;
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11:00 a. m. Rite II Eucharist: traditional liturgy with hymns;
service music, anthems and motets sung by the Cathedral Choir.
A choral mass is sung once a month;
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7:00 p. m. Rite II Eucharist in the chapel with organ music
and hymns;
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9:30 p. m. Compline. The office of Compline, sung by the all-male
Compline Choir, is a Seattle tradition that has taken place
every Sunday night since 1954 (and is still under the direction
of its founder, Dr. Peter Hallock). This service is broadcast
on the local classical radio station, and to listeners throughout
the world via the internet.
Within these five services a variety of musical offerings is present, from traditional organ hymns (8: 00 a. m. and 7: 00 p. m. services), to folk/Gospel/world music with a variety of instruments (9:00 a. m. service), to traditional anthems and motets (11:00 a. m. service), to ancient chants and psalms (9:30 p. m. office of Compline). In each of these musical genres the music and liturgy team of St. Mark's endeavors to research and present music of integrity to enhance the story of the Gospel for our time. Vibrant worship, with music and liturgy working closely together, is a goal for which we continually strive.
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