Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante: Interview with Bob Hurd

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May 11, 2010

NOTE: Sound samples and accompaniments now available for order for new and revised Mass settings. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has established the first Sunday of Advent 2012 (Nov. 27, 2011) as the implementation date for the new Order of Mass. More Mass settings will be coming soon.

How does this setting unite a congregation at Mass?
The Eucharist is about unity—being in solidarity with each other as members of the one body of Christ. So there is something contrary to the very meaning of what we are celebrating if we always remain separated from each other for Eucharist. My aim was to compose an "all-purpose" setting. Read more » By providing an all-English and all-Spanish option in addition to the bilingual one, each group can use the music year round in mono-lingual liturgies. When they gather to celebrate together, say for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or Holy Thursday or the Easter Vigil, they can use the bilingual version, and would already be at home with the music. « Hide

What was your inspiration for Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante?
Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante/Mass of the Immigrants was inspired by dance rhythms and music I heard while my wife, Pia, and I were in Oaxaca, Mexico for the annual Guelaguetza celebration.
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Guelaguetza means "gift-sharing," with the idea that each person or diverse group contributes their talent for the common good. Similarly, this mass setting invites diverse language communities to join together in the celebration and the work of the Eucharist. I had decided to dedicate this mass to my long-time friend, Bishop Gabino Zavala, who has worked on the problems and human rights of immigrants. I invited him to name the Mass. « Hide

What can we expect from the revised version?
The new English translation follows the Latin much more literally than the 1970 version did. So, in most cases, revision required moving from a more compact line (1970 version) to a longer line with more syllables. Read more » This was not so difficult when it came to revising the Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante because the Spanish text is already closer to the Latin. In originally creating melodic lines to accommodate the Spanish, I already had lines that would also accommodate the new English translation. The verses of the Gloria required the most extensive changes, but I felt I was able to retain most of the original melodic patterns. For this revision I also decided to compose a wholly new setting of the Cordero de Dios/Lamb of God. « Hide

How has your experience leading worship helped you craft this setting?
I have learned several things about composing from leading song at worship. These lessons guided my composition of this Mass as well as its recent revision. Read more » One is that assembly participation requires memorable melodies that can engage people easily. The other is that the music should be led by the Word and really support the communication of the Word. Liturgical song places the Word of God—whether it comes from the readings or the ritual texts—on our lips and in our hearts so that we can respond with our own word of faith and love. « Hide

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