In Bread that Is Broken [SATB] - Book Detail

For In Bread that Is Broken, the tune SHANNON is used. It was originally known as VALE OF AVOCA or, less often, THE MEETING OF THE WATERS. This melody was one of the old Irish tunes recovered and made famous by Thomas Moore, the renowned Irish tenor, in the nineteenth century. The lyrical character of the music makes In Bread that Is Broken a song of deep feeling.

This hymn is especially appropriate for Communion, because the repeated refrain speaks of the theme of unity: "In sharing your supper, O Lord, make us one." It is also easier during Communion for a congregation to sing a hymn with a repeated refrain. Nevertheless, In Bread that Is Broken can be sung at almost any time in the Mass, not just during Communion. Eucharistic hymns during Mass need not be limited to the time of Communion; they work well at other times, too. Especially on the Feast of Corpus Christi, on Holy Thursday, and in certain Summertime Masses of the B Cycle of the Lectionary, the theme of the liturgy is reflected in the text of this hymn.

The first verse uses the phrase "And standing we greet him," because Catholics of the Roman Rite stand for the Gospel and during Communion; it is a posture of reverence, respect, and attention.

Publisher Comments

This SATB setting includes a soprano descant and optional flute part. A full score with brass parts is available separately [ISBN 0915866315].

This SATB octavo includes performance notes, comments on the arrangers, an illustration of the breaking of the bread, and a copy of the congregational refrain in unison, to be reprinted in the local parish or school.