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Tenor-Practice for St Cecilia Mass composed by Charles Gounod in 1855. Gounod’s pious expression in his Mass for St. Cecilia was no mere posturing, in fact, he even wrote his own spoken prayers into the Mass’ proper moments. In terms of lyrical beauty, St. Cecilia' Mass ranks as one the great accomplishments in Western music. It seems near perfect in its sincerity and in its joy and awe for divine mysteries and promises. The official name is Messe solennelle en l’honneur de Sainte-Cécile, in homage of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. St. Cecilia was made the patron saint of the Academy of Music in Rome by papal decree in 1585.