| Mass for Spillville (Polka Mass) was commissioned by the Czech Heritage Partnership for the 150th Anniversary of St. Wenceslaus Church, Spillville (in 2010). While this music intended for cantor, congregation and organ (not a band), the role of the polka as a dance has not been abandoned, excused or forgotten. The congregation is invited to sing and celebrate the joy of their heritage, and the great blessings of our faith in Jesus Christ. The piece may be used by catholic and non-catholic congregations.
Although the Mass for Spillville includes polkas and waltzes, it is also influenced by Czech hymns, most notably Bože, pred tvou velebností (Holy God, we Bow Before You),as performed in Spillville in 1893 by the Master, Dvorak, on the same 1876 Pfeffer Organ as is heard today. When Dvorak played the Spillville organ, sources say he pulled out all the stops and “it sounded like thunder.” The importance of St. Wenceslaus as the oldest, Czech, Catholic church in America, is reflected in the references to St. Wenceslaus (Patron Saint of Bohemia and the Czech Republic), Mary (Mother of God), a 12th century chant, and portions of the traditional, Latin text.
The full score is available for licensing and purchase and includes 18 liturgical pieces.
Purchase price includes a "lifetime" license and parts for congregation, choir and organ
(both hard copy and electronic versions, which may be used with Finale and Word).
Mass for Spillville by Joan DeVee Dixon
- Gathering Hymn
- Gracious God (Kyrie)
- Gloria
- Psalm
- Gospel Acclamation
- Credo
- Intercessory prayers
- Offertory Hymn
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Memorial Acclamation
- Great Amen
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
- Communion song
- Communion waltz
- Communion polka
- Post-Communion
- Processional Hymn
In addition, several "organ" polkas by Dvorak and his teacher, Antonin Liehmann are available for purchase.
Upcoming performances of this mass include these churches and festivals:
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Spillville, Iowa
St. John's Episcopal Church, Frostburg, Maryland
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Concord, New Hampshire
American Spring, Prague, Czech Republic
Order Polka Mass
|
JoanDeVeeDixon.com
