Sanctus

What it means

The Sanctus is the fourth part of the Ordinary of the Mass. Its text calls “Sanctus” — holy — three times and continues with praise of the Lord of hosts, before it flows into the acclamation “Osanna in excelsis.” Immediately afterward follows the Benedictus, after which the Osanna returns. In the liturgy the Sanctus is a song of the whole congregation that prepares the consecration.

Musical use

The threefold invocation at the beginning invites intensification, and many settings shape it as a slow, solemn growth before the Osanna turns into a faster tempo. The movement therefore often belongs among the tonally most impressive of a Mass, often with full choir, trumpets, and timpani. In the monophonic tradition, numerous melodies of differing solemnity exist. Together with the Benedictus and the returning Osanna, a three-part layout results, in which the calm middle part is framed by the festive surroundings. Its text comes from the book of Isaiah and Psalm 118.

Performance practice

Build up the threefold invocation as a shaped intensification, instead of singing fully from the start. Watch for shared pronunciation of the word and for even vowel colours, because the long notes expose any inconsistency. Plan the transition to the Osanna precisely, since tempo and character change. Keep the balance with trumpets and timpani in view. In liturgical use it is to be clarified whether the congregation sings along and which version is intended.

Bear in mind that the Sanctus in the liturgy is a song of the whole congregation: where it is set chorally, this function recedes, which is to be considered in the choice. Clarify with those leading the service whether the congregation is involved. In the liturgy the Sanctus follows the preface.

Check whether the Osanna after the Benedictus returns verbatim, because rehearsal planning depends on it.

Also check whether the congregation is involved at this point, and coordinate that with the leadership.