Singing Gregorian Chant lifts one’s spirits. Agree or disagree?
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Bending Your Ear • A Sound Theology
“The way in which music is deployed in the Holy Mass has a direct impact on how we understand our relationship with God.” —Dr. Backman
Re: Copyright Status of “Abbey Psalms & Canticles” (PDF Chart)
There’s been considerable online discussion about this. Our readers have a right to know what’s at issue.
“I Bow to Rebecca Raber Who Oversees the Music in This Chapel.” —Mike Aquilina
“This is not the choir!” … exclaims Mike Aquilina.
“All Saints” • Jeff Ostrowski Tries to Simultaneously Accompany His Voice on the Organ
Although it beggars belief, in his entire life Father Josef A. Jungmann never celebrated a sung Mass—not one!
Pop Quiz • “How Well Do You Know Plainchant?”
Re: the “Communion Antiphon” for the Feast of All Saints (November 1st).
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant in English” (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time) for 3-NOV-2024
With a brief digression on “feelings of inadequacy.”
A Suggestion for Ordinary Form Masses
The idea developed (somehow) that having the priest wait 15 minutes for an item he needs is “good and reverent” liturgy. But that’s false.
*Gasp* — Other Sacred Music Websites!
In a show of “web-ecumenism” I’d like to mention five today.
PDF Download • “Seasonal Index” for the Brébeuf Hymnal
It’s been downloaded more than 4,000 times, so it seems useful.
PDF Download • “Like Gold Dust” — Extremely Rare Book of Gregorian Chants (315 pages)
Including “O Come All Ye Faithful” (with Latin text) in a delightful arrangement for two voices.
Entrance Antiphons • “Transitioning from a Contemporary to Sacred Music Program”
“These are simple propers, but not to the point of being monotone.” —Rebecca De La Torre
In Search of the Pius XII Psalter!
Robert B. sent us the following email…
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant in English” (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) for 27-OCT-2024
When the congregation isn’t moved, such a musician will reply: “Well, that’s just because they’re uneducated philistines who don’t know anything.”
Is the ‘Orans’ Position Disobedient? • Re: the Congregation’s Posture during the Lord’s Prayer
Forcing the entire congregation to assume various postures has a rather sordid history.
PDF Download • “Extremely Rare Biography!” — Raphael Cardinal Merry Del Val (272 Pages)
I’ve been patiently waiting to release this since the summer!
“My Best Advice To You” • After 18 Years At My Catholic Parish
A few years ago, I attended Mass at Westminster Cathedral in London…
Anybody Want This Prayer?
I posted this on social media. Tons of people requested a copy…
“This Change Blew My Mind” • Confusion: Is 9-Dec-2024 a Holy Day of Obligation?
I just got off the phone with a very high ranking official at the USCCB…
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant in English” (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
With a digression on a 1971 film called “Fiddler on the Roof.”
To Persevere is Sanctity
To be a successful choir director is to sacrifice and to persevere in a nearly insane manner.
“Unsolved Mysteries” • What Happened To This Institute?
Dom Ermin Vitry, OSB, was in charge of building the pipe organ for the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, IL.
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant in English” for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
This coming Sunday—13 October 2024—is the 28th in Ordinary Time.
PDF Download • Choral Extension! • (Corresponding to the “Holy, Holy, Holy” of the Missal Chants)
Probably one of the most valuable PDF scores we’ve ever released.
PDF Download • “Vexilla Regis” in 3 or 4 parts, alternating chant & polyphony
A lovely and practical piece with fantastic safety features for any time adoring the Cross of Jesus.
PDF Downloads
“Entrance Chant” • Sunday (10 Nov. 2024)
The reformers borrowed this “Entrance Chant” from the Ember Saturday of Lent.
Music List • (31st Sund. Ordinary Time)
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.
“Entrance Chant” for Sunday (3-NOV-2024)
The reformers borrowed this “Entrance Chant” from Wednesday in the 2nd week of Lent.
Music List • (30th Sund. Ordinary Time)
Readers have expressed interest in looking over the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.
“Entrance Chant” for Sunday (27-Oct-2024)
This one was put in a “brighter” mode—owing to its text—based on the somewhat peculiar place the original came from.
Music List • (29th Sund. Ordinary Time)
Readers have expressed interest in looking over the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.