- Time of past OR future Camino
- VdlP(2012) Madrid(2014)Frances(2015) VdlP(2016)
VdlP(2017)Madrid/Sanabres/Frances reverse(2018)
There seem to be a few threads around at the moment regarding the botafumeiro, but rarely mentioned is the music that accompanies this part of the liturgy. On my three arrivals at Santiago, I've been to the noon pilgrim mass about ten times, and witnessed the botafumeiro on all but one. (Just lucky, I guess).
The music used is always the same, and strikes me as particularly uninspiring. Sure, the whole thing begins with about 8 stirring chords from the organ, which certainly reflect the palpable anticipation in the congregation, but they are followed by a rather ordinary solo hymn accompanied by subdued choir organ. Now I don't mean to seem critical of the nun with the beautiful voice who sings it; I have always appreciated the way she leads, (and teaches) the congregation during the sung latin parts of the mass. But really, that hymn isn't what I would have thought a good choice. That said, I don't know what the words of the hymn are. Maybe they are particularly appropriate. But what a wasted opportunity to give that magnificent organ full reign, and give us all a double dose of goose bumps!
The music used is always the same, and strikes me as particularly uninspiring. Sure, the whole thing begins with about 8 stirring chords from the organ, which certainly reflect the palpable anticipation in the congregation, but they are followed by a rather ordinary solo hymn accompanied by subdued choir organ. Now I don't mean to seem critical of the nun with the beautiful voice who sings it; I have always appreciated the way she leads, (and teaches) the congregation during the sung latin parts of the mass. But really, that hymn isn't what I would have thought a good choice. That said, I don't know what the words of the hymn are. Maybe they are particularly appropriate. But what a wasted opportunity to give that magnificent organ full reign, and give us all a double dose of goose bumps!