The Duomo was the site tonight of the inaugural playing by me of Catholic Liturgy! I was suspended 3 stories above the altar area in front of the pipes of an organ from the year 1858 with bellows and all. It was a very meaningful service: Father Piernino washed 
the feet of 12 men, then communion followed by a silent procession over to a narthex which was decorated like a garden to represent the Garden of Gethsemane.
I played for about 8 different chants. We seemed to be together, but the acoustics were really reverberating up to me. I don’t get freedom to play any prelude or anything, it’s by the book . Steve hung out with me in the balcony to keep me apprised of what was happening down below as I had no visual. There were no bats in the belfry, but I didn’t look to closely. There is a huge dome above this photo.
This Saturday I play at 10 pm and somehow it involves fire (?) (“…He descended into hell…”). Then again at 9am and 11 am on sunday. It has been a little nervewracking, but an experience I will never forget. Maybe Father Piernino will let the Pope know, and I can have and audience with Him when I get to Rome.
Tags: bats, bellows, catholic, communion, duomo, father pernino, gethsemane, maundy thursday, organ, pope, rome, steve
Debbie & Steve,
How awesome. I bet you never dreamed you would be playing for a Catholic mass on Holy Week! I’m glad Steve was there to keep an eye out for all that was happening. It’s great seeing your daily adventures, can’t wait!!! Did the preiest provide you with all the music??