TAIZE WORSHIP RESOURCES
The Taize Community was founded in 1949 by Brother Roger Schutz, in an area where he had sheltered Jewish refugees during the Second World War.
Although the first brothers were Protestants, Taize has maintained close and warm contacts with the Roman Catholic Church. It is significant that both Popes and Archbishops of Canterbury together with leaders of other Christian churches have made several visits to build and develop co-operation and it is truly recognised as a fully ecumenical community - welcoming all.
The music of Taize has become popular in many churches, being used not only for Sunday worship, but also for special services of Prayer and Reflection. The style of music reflects the community's special dimension of peace and reconciliation which draws people from all over the world who are searching for spiritual development and renewal.
When the community began the music which was used came from the sixteenth-century and the chants of Father Joseph Gelineau. The composer Jacques Berthier was then invited to create a new style of music which the community introduced and is still being used today. Other composers have also been inspired to produce music which is similar in style and content.
Extended chanting of short, harmonized phrases, lengthy silences, space, creative lighting. Icons and symbols......are all characteristic of Taize worship. Much of the impact of this type of worship lies in the contemplative repetition of simple chants, interspersed with solo voices (or a single cantor) and accompanied by simple but very effective instrumental arrangements. Unaccompanied singing is also encouraged to give another dimension to the service. Latin is used quite extensively in the repeated refrains – it it a language that people from many countries recognize and are able to join in. The flexibility of Taize music has brought it into use in all sorts of circumstances, from a small gathering with a guitar or keyboard to a large assembly accompanied by an orchestra.
RESOURCES
SONGS FOR PRAYER – CONTAINS 59 MAIN TITLES
This book is a major collection of music ranging from ostinatos and responses, canons, acclamations, litanies, psalms – and a musical setting of the Eucharist in Latin and English composed for the Community by Fr Joseph Gelineau. Many of the older standard chants are included in revised versions together with many new chants. The book also includes extensive notes on how to perform the pieces.
There is a thoroughly comprehensive index to assist with the choice of music which may be used throughout the church year. Also includes an index to show on which recording each of the pieces in this collection may be found.
The vocal edition contains all SATB harmony and cantor verses, along with keyboard accompaniments and guitar chords. This collection, which represents the current repertoire used at Taize, also includes the final compositions of music written by the late Jacques Berthier.
Ref: 4956 Choir, Cantor, Guitar Accompaniments.
Ref: 4956S Spiral binding for Keyboard and Guitar
Ref: 4956A Instrumental parts for various instruments.
Ref: 4956P Assembly edition of refrains, canons, litanies in harmony.
SINGING TAIZE MUSIC IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
This is a multilingual songbook that is used at Taize itself. It has an introduction with the index being presented in 8 languages and songs with even more language options. It is the ultimate international songbook.
Basic Edition
Selected Accompaniments (instrumental parts for some items from the basic edition).
SONGS FROM THE TAIZE COMMUNITY.
A collection of chants & refrains reflecting on Scripture.
The simple beauty of the music uses words which are repeated many times which can help to deepen times of prayer.
This little book complete with Compact Disc set is intended to familiarize you with the spirit, song and life of the Taize Community. There are sixty colour photographs depicting the beautiful Taize countryside. Prayers and meditations by Brother Roger are also incorporated into this book.
The accompanying CD holds nearly 71 minutes of Taize favourites from the various recordings which continue to be produced. Brother Roger once said:
“Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living God than a meditative common prayer with, as its high point, singing that never ends and the continues in the silence of one's heart when one is alone again”.
NO INSTRUMENTALISTS OR CHOIR!
HOW CAN WE BE ENCOURAGED TO SING?
A very welcome resource has now become available with the production of Compact Discs which provide instrumental support for churches and other groups that have no instrumentalists available.
INSTRUMENTAL CD VOLUME 1
This recording by the Taize Community offers all the songs found on 'Laudate Omnes Gentes', but in instrumental versions only. This instrumental was created to support small groups who wish to pray in song, but are uncomfortable singing a capella or do not have the resources for live instrumental accompaniment. It contains instrumental support for nineteen songs that are straightforward to sing and do not require solo verses. The guitar accompanies throughout, with a flute playing the melody, sometimes joined by the oboe or clarinet. Ideal for small prayer groups.
INSTRUMENTAL CD VOLUME 2
Like volume 1 this CD is a recording of guitar and flute accompaniments are designed to support communities and groups who have the desire to pray in song. Unlike Volume 1 that mirrors the songs found on 'Laudate Omnes Gentes', this collection of 19 songs is a sampling of favourite Taize melodies from 11 of the most popular recordings.
Instrumental CD 2 comes with easy to sing refrains printed in six different languages. Solo and duet flutes play the melodies and simple descants while the guitar accompanies throughout. Again this is a helpful resource for small prayer groups or for listening enjoyment.
HOW TO PLAN A SERVICE
It is advisable not to begin choosing music until the theme and readings for the service have been chosen. Invite a group of people to reflect on the readings and then together select the music to be sung.
Invite both singers and instrumentalists to come together to rehearse the music. Encourage all abilities to sing and play together.
BEFORE THE SERVICE BEGINS.
Explain briefly what the service is about and then include a short music practice so that everyone can become familiar with the songs. It is advisable to check and rehearse with technical equipment which may be being used for the service.
DURING THE SERVICE
Try and avoid unnecessary introductions – let the worship flow – include space for times of silence and reflection. The instrumental parts (obligato) are designed for this. The use of symbols can also be useful aids during the service – water – incense – art – candles – flowers etc.
CONCLUSION OF THE SERVICE
Ask people to leave quietly so that those who wish to remain can continue to worship silently.
FEEDBACK
Do ask for comments regarding the services – how people were helped – or hindered – how it could be improved. Listening to peoples comments can help with future planning.
SUPPORT
Workshops can be arranged in a location to suit you. One of our music advisers will be pleased to come along and lead this for you. within the Diocese of Bath and Wells
Please contact: Alan Cook for further information.
Email: [email protected] or telephone 01823-289500 after 6pm
The Taize Community was founded in 1949 by Brother Roger Schutz, in an area where he had sheltered Jewish refugees during the Second World War.
Although the first brothers were Protestants, Taize has maintained close and warm contacts with the Roman Catholic Church. It is significant that both Popes and Archbishops of Canterbury together with leaders of other Christian churches have made several visits to build and develop co-operation and it is truly recognised as a fully ecumenical community - welcoming all.
The music of Taize has become popular in many churches, being used not only for Sunday worship, but also for special services of Prayer and Reflection. The style of music reflects the community's special dimension of peace and reconciliation which draws people from all over the world who are searching for spiritual development and renewal.
When the community began the music which was used came from the sixteenth-century and the chants of Father Joseph Gelineau. The composer Jacques Berthier was then invited to create a new style of music which the community introduced and is still being used today. Other composers have also been inspired to produce music which is similar in style and content.
Extended chanting of short, harmonized phrases, lengthy silences, space, creative lighting. Icons and symbols......are all characteristic of Taize worship. Much of the impact of this type of worship lies in the contemplative repetition of simple chants, interspersed with solo voices (or a single cantor) and accompanied by simple but very effective instrumental arrangements. Unaccompanied singing is also encouraged to give another dimension to the service. Latin is used quite extensively in the repeated refrains – it it a language that people from many countries recognize and are able to join in. The flexibility of Taize music has brought it into use in all sorts of circumstances, from a small gathering with a guitar or keyboard to a large assembly accompanied by an orchestra.
RESOURCES
SONGS FOR PRAYER – CONTAINS 59 MAIN TITLES
This book is a major collection of music ranging from ostinatos and responses, canons, acclamations, litanies, psalms – and a musical setting of the Eucharist in Latin and English composed for the Community by Fr Joseph Gelineau. Many of the older standard chants are included in revised versions together with many new chants. The book also includes extensive notes on how to perform the pieces.
There is a thoroughly comprehensive index to assist with the choice of music which may be used throughout the church year. Also includes an index to show on which recording each of the pieces in this collection may be found.
The vocal edition contains all SATB harmony and cantor verses, along with keyboard accompaniments and guitar chords. This collection, which represents the current repertoire used at Taize, also includes the final compositions of music written by the late Jacques Berthier.
Ref: 4956 Choir, Cantor, Guitar Accompaniments.
Ref: 4956S Spiral binding for Keyboard and Guitar
Ref: 4956A Instrumental parts for various instruments.
Ref: 4956P Assembly edition of refrains, canons, litanies in harmony.
SINGING TAIZE MUSIC IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
This is a multilingual songbook that is used at Taize itself. It has an introduction with the index being presented in 8 languages and songs with even more language options. It is the ultimate international songbook.
Basic Edition
Selected Accompaniments (instrumental parts for some items from the basic edition).
SONGS FROM THE TAIZE COMMUNITY.
A collection of chants & refrains reflecting on Scripture.
The simple beauty of the music uses words which are repeated many times which can help to deepen times of prayer.
This little book complete with Compact Disc set is intended to familiarize you with the spirit, song and life of the Taize Community. There are sixty colour photographs depicting the beautiful Taize countryside. Prayers and meditations by Brother Roger are also incorporated into this book.
The accompanying CD holds nearly 71 minutes of Taize favourites from the various recordings which continue to be produced. Brother Roger once said:
“Nothing is more conducive to a communion with the living God than a meditative common prayer with, as its high point, singing that never ends and the continues in the silence of one's heart when one is alone again”.
NO INSTRUMENTALISTS OR CHOIR!
HOW CAN WE BE ENCOURAGED TO SING?
A very welcome resource has now become available with the production of Compact Discs which provide instrumental support for churches and other groups that have no instrumentalists available.
INSTRUMENTAL CD VOLUME 1
This recording by the Taize Community offers all the songs found on 'Laudate Omnes Gentes', but in instrumental versions only. This instrumental was created to support small groups who wish to pray in song, but are uncomfortable singing a capella or do not have the resources for live instrumental accompaniment. It contains instrumental support for nineteen songs that are straightforward to sing and do not require solo verses. The guitar accompanies throughout, with a flute playing the melody, sometimes joined by the oboe or clarinet. Ideal for small prayer groups.
INSTRUMENTAL CD VOLUME 2
Like volume 1 this CD is a recording of guitar and flute accompaniments are designed to support communities and groups who have the desire to pray in song. Unlike Volume 1 that mirrors the songs found on 'Laudate Omnes Gentes', this collection of 19 songs is a sampling of favourite Taize melodies from 11 of the most popular recordings.
Instrumental CD 2 comes with easy to sing refrains printed in six different languages. Solo and duet flutes play the melodies and simple descants while the guitar accompanies throughout. Again this is a helpful resource for small prayer groups or for listening enjoyment.
HOW TO PLAN A SERVICE
It is advisable not to begin choosing music until the theme and readings for the service have been chosen. Invite a group of people to reflect on the readings and then together select the music to be sung.
Invite both singers and instrumentalists to come together to rehearse the music. Encourage all abilities to sing and play together.
BEFORE THE SERVICE BEGINS.
Explain briefly what the service is about and then include a short music practice so that everyone can become familiar with the songs. It is advisable to check and rehearse with technical equipment which may be being used for the service.
DURING THE SERVICE
Try and avoid unnecessary introductions – let the worship flow – include space for times of silence and reflection. The instrumental parts (obligato) are designed for this. The use of symbols can also be useful aids during the service – water – incense – art – candles – flowers etc.
CONCLUSION OF THE SERVICE
Ask people to leave quietly so that those who wish to remain can continue to worship silently.
FEEDBACK
Do ask for comments regarding the services – how people were helped – or hindered – how it could be improved. Listening to peoples comments can help with future planning.
SUPPORT
Workshops can be arranged in a location to suit you. One of our music advisers will be pleased to come along and lead this for you. within the Diocese of Bath and Wells
Please contact: Alan Cook for further information.
Email: [email protected] or telephone 01823-289500 after 6pm