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Back then there was no protection from the pits of hell and the lion's mouth. A million prayers could not stop the killers. Only death finally meant salvation from all deprivations.
And therefore it is up to us today, to pray for the victims of Auschwitz. That they may have eternal rest and eternal peace. That they may rise toward the eternal light. And that their souls may rise from death towards the eternal life in the name of the Lord.
Sanctus and Benedictus
In most ecclesiastical works the ‘Sanctus’ and ‘Benedictus’ are treated as separate sections. The ‘Sanctus’ is the sanctification of God, our Lord. The ‘Benedictus’ is a song of praise to the Lord. Both sections are cheerful elements within Mass. For this reason I have chosen to merge these section, to give them a light-hearted, nearly cheerful character.
The choir starts this section with the praises, answered by a light-hearted clarinet solo. ‘Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua’. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. This passage – solemnly recited by the soprano and tenor, accompanied by the choir – is followed by an exalted ‘Hosanna’ from the choir in antiphon with the four soloists.
After a reprise of the praises the soprano and tenor break into a calm ‘Benedictus’, which is answered by the choir with ‘qui venit in nomine Domini’.
After a second, nearly cheerful solo from the shepherd – played by the oboe this time – the choir concludes this section with another light-hearted and exalted ‘Hosanna’.
Even in Auschwitz there were moments of relief and hope. Moments of relief, when the victims were not beaten or kicked for one day.
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