The Litany of St. Joseph

For 4 Soloists, Chorus, Orchestra, and Organ

Premiere: March 17, 2025
Conducted by the Composer

Organist:
Chellan Hoffman

Soloists:
Kathleen Morrison
Maryna Szojka
Martin Renner-Wallace
Aaron Durand

Composer’s Notes

In 1624, St. Joseph was declared the Patron Saint of Canada, a title that has shaped our nation’s spiritual and cultural identity for over four centuries. The Litany of St. Joseph commemorates this milestone through a multi-movement work that fuses ancient traditions with a distinctly Canadian perspective. Scored for orchestra, chorus, four operatic soloists, and organ, this composition has offered me an opportunity to meditate on faith, heritage, and unity.

The entire work is sung in Latin, the universal language of the Catholic Church for thousands of years, further connecting the composition to the enduring legacy of sacred music. The text follows the revised Litany of St. Joseph, which incorporates seven new invocations added by Pope Francis in 2021.

The introduction to The Litany of St. Joseph gently ushers the listener into a state of quiet contemplation. Several well-known Gregorian chant themes—familiar to all the faithful—intertwine through the opening bars, including Ave Maria, Pater Noster, Credo #3, and the Easter sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes. These chant incipits, presented in subtle variations, guide the listener into deep thought and prayer, setting the tone for the spiritual journey ahead. Their inclusion fosters an intimate connection with centuries of liturgical tradition, evoking timeless reverence.

The piece is divided into 13 movements—an introduction and 12 sections of text, each section treated with a unique musical idea. The 13 movements of The Litany of St. Joseph represent the 13 provinces and territories of Canada, each receiving a unique musical tribute. The music draws inspiration from Gregorian chant, Indigenous drumming, and even the earliest known music composed in Canada—the Mass and Office of the Holy Family (attributed to Father Martin) for observance of the Feast of the Holy Family established by Bishop Laval in 1665, just one year after the first organ was installed in the Cathedral, Notre-Dame de la Paix, which was completed in 1647. Recognizing the vital role of sacred music, Bishop Laval went to great pains to acquire an organ from France in 1663, which was inaugurated the following year.

Pope Benedict XVI, in 2006, said the following about the importance of the organ in worship: "The organ has always been considered, and rightly so, the king of musical instruments, because it takes up all the sounds of creation and gives resonance to the fullness of human sentiments, from joy to sadness, from praise to lamentation. By transcending the merely human sphere, as all music of quality does, it evokes the divine. The organ’s great range of timbre, from piano through to a thundering fortissimo, makes it an instrument superior to all others. It is capable of echoing and expressing all the experiences of human life. The manifold possibilities of the organ in some way remind us of the immensity and the magnificence of God.”

A born-and-raised Albertan, raised in the foothills of the Rockies, the soundscape reflects the geography of our land and my experience living in this beautiful corner of the world. The music captures the essence of rolling hills and gentle rivers, the warmth of summers, the harshness of winter, and the overwhelming majesty of the Rocky Mountains themselves. Mountains have long been regarded as 'closer to God,' evoking awe and reverence in those who stand at their summits. This sense of transcendence aligns with Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati's concept of Verso l'Alto—‘toward the heights’—which symbolizes a striving toward the divine and the elevation of the spirit. Anyone who has experienced the vastness from a mountaintop can understand the call to reach higher, both physically and spiritually.

The 13 movements vary in length, from nearly 8 minutes to only 30 seconds. The 9th movement, Terror of Demons, stands out for its dramatic portrayal of demonic chaos. The orchestra erupts with frenetic energy, reflecting a world in turmoil, only to be interrupted by the commanding presence of the organ. This powerful clash between chaos and divine order mirrors the spiritual battle between fear and faith, with St. Joseph depicted as the protector who drives away evil. A grand fugue concludes the litany, leading to the final Amen. This powerful ending contrasts the contrapuntal style of the Baroque with modern sounds and harmonies, bringing the work to a triumphant close

For those interested in musical symbolism, there is a striking tonal shift to E-flat major for only two words in the entire litany: Sancte Trinitas. E-flat major, with its three flats, naturally aligns with the Holy Trinity. Additionally, the vocal sections divide into three lines each, creating a total of 12 independent vocal lines—echoing the 12 apostles and symbolizing the Trinity’s presence within each of us. This brief yet potent musical moment highlights the deep theological connections woven throughout the work. Another highly symbolic moment occurs in the bells, which chime 25 times, representing the 13 provinces plus 12 apostles and the 25 years leading to this Jubilee year.

The piece begins in, and often retreats to, the deepest registers of the orchestra. The double basses and cellos provide a rich foundation, bolstered by the ethereal contrabassoon. In moments of even greater gravity, the organ’s largest pipes—some stretching 32 feet in length—deliver a deep, resonant rumble that is felt more than heard. These deep sonorities symbolize St. Joseph’s unwavering faith and his quiet, humble role as the steadfast head of the Holy Family.

From soaring operatic solos to the profound unity of choral prayer, The Litany of St. Joseph balances grandeur with introspection. The work culminates in a sweeping celebration of faith across time and cultures, honoring St. Joseph’s legacy through a blend of historical influences and contemporary expression.

This premiere marks 400 years of St. Joseph’s patronage, standing as a testament to the enduring power of sacred music in uniting communities, inspiring reflection, and elevating the spirit.