FREE SCORE: O Salutaris Hostia • Perosi
Fresh on the heels of last week’s offering, I present to you Lorenzo Perosi’s O Salutaris Hostia. This work is yet another example of the maxim that sometimes “simple is best”. Or perhaps in this case, “simple is beautiful”.
This work is easily in reach of any choir with the requisite voices (even a single person per part) as the harmonic language is very simple and straightforward. The most difficult thing is the slow tempo and counting the 4/2 measure.
As usual, a comprehensive suite of practice tracks is now available both on this site as mp3’s, and on YouTube as animated score videos.
The ServiamScores edition includes three helpful additions:
custodes: when printing in color, small red notes appear at the end of each line to provide a custos for each vocal part, in keeping with ancient tradition. These ghost notes can help singers transition from line to line.
counting aids: m.7 switches to 4/2 and involves some sustained notes which can be slightly odd to feel at first. I have provided small italic annotations below the stave to help singers count the quarter note pulse. These can, of course, be ignored.
QR code which takes singers straight to the practice track repository page so they can listen to their part.
Below you will find two versions of the score: one with, and the other without the custodes and counting annotation.
The work is in the public domain, and these engravings are being offered for free and may be shared / printed / performed. (If you appreciate this ministry, please consider supporting us in some way!)
Pax Christi Vobiscum—
James
PS—as satisfactory as our demo and practice track resources may be, they are never a substitute for a proper recording of a real choir. Please enjoy this beautiful and sensitive rendition (in F# minor).
