For those who have never experienced Vespers, an answer like that comes across as “gobbledygook.”
Main Content
“Hymns for Small Choirs” • The Season of Epiphany
Destroying the season of Epiphany was in direct disobedience to Vatican II.
The Communion of the Second Sunday after Epiphany
Today’s communion antiphon is a masterpiece of musical exegesis.
OCP: “Missa Back-To-The-Future” (Not Kidding)
The musical style is totally secular; similar to what one might hear on the radio.
Free Videos • “How to say the Extraordinary Form”
This was posted in 2013, but you’ll want to bookmark it.
PDF Download • “Glory To God” (Three Voices)
Those who direct small choirs are always looking for great repertoire.
“Soloists Vs. Full Choir” • Which Do You Prefer?
A smaller group sings for the 9:00am Mass; a large chorus sings for the 11:00am Mass.
Small Choir Repertoire: “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” (Two Voices)
My brother immediately said: “I would never use this; it’s terrible, Jeff.” — And he was correct!
Introductory Latin Courses • Veterum Sapientia Institute
Opportunities to be immersed in Latin are still available this spring.
Re: Glaring Lectionary Omission • “Setting The Record Straight”
They were: (1) Cardinal Palazzini; (2) Cardinal Stickler; (3) Cardinal Mayer; (4) Cardinal Oddi; (5) Cardinal Casaroli; (6) Cardinal Gantin; (7) Cardinal Innocenti; (8) Cardinal Ratzinger; (9) Cardinal Tomko.
PDF Download • “Feast of the Holy Name” (Vespers Organ Accompaniment)
Only fellow choirmasters know how much work choirmasters do “behind the scenes.”
“A Plea to the Bishops” • By Monsignor Charles Pope
“As a pastor of souls, I wince at this sort of language directed at good Catholics…” —Monsignor Charles Pope
PDF Booklet • “Blessing Epiphany Water” (18 Pages)
For the Blessing of Holy Water on Epiphany Eve.
The Responsa ad dubia and the Solesmes Chant Restoration
The early history of Solesmes plainchant research provides a historical parallel for responding to current Vatican liturgical rules.
Latin Mass • Conspicuous Snag in “Clarification”
Archbishop Roche says the ‘true’ parishioners are supposed to make it clear the EF people are lowest on the totem pole.
My submission to the Synod 2023
I felt that the Listening and Discernment Guides would make something of a Christmas Party Diversion while my family was all gathered together. We had a lively discussion, following the Guides with a suitable lack of rigidity. I hope the synod itself will be as much fun for the bishops.
“Merry Christmas!” • From Our Family To Yours
Dear readers, thank you for everything!
“Benedictus” (Missa Iste Sanctus) • All voices recorded by Corrinne May
Vatican II said: “The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care” (SC §114).
“Communion Service” for the Extraordinary Form?
This statement by the “Una Voce” president strikes me as inaccurate.
Archbishop Roche: What the Ordinary Form “has to learn” from the Extraordinary Form
“The Extraordinary Form is another expression (older than the 1969 Missal) and is a valid expression of the Church’s liturgy.” —Arthur Roche
Announcement of Easter & the Movable Feasts • 2022 • English & Spanish
Download scores and listen to demos for the Announcement of Easter and Moveable Feasts (Epiphany Proclamation)
PDF Download • Carol based on “The First Nowell”
I recorded all the voices, to demonstrate how it sounds…
“Christmas” … or … “Xmas” ?
I remember hearing folks say (erroneously): “Don’t cross out Christmas!”
PDF Download • Vespers Organ Accompaniment — “Our Lady of Guadalupe” (12 December)
Vatican II said: “Pastors must see to it that Vespers is celebrated in parishes on Sundays and the more solemn feasts” (SC §100).
Archbishop Lefebvre Pushed For Vernacular Readings?
Louis Bouyer—the priest chosen to compose “Eucharistic Prayer II”—condemned the liturgical reforms when he saw the results.
PDF Downloads
PDF Booklet • First Sunday of Advent Vespers (Organ Accompaniment) — Draft Copy
It may be an ugly booklet, but it got the job done yesterday.
PDF Download • “Four Easy Pieces” (Smaller Choirs)
Including more information about the “Pope Pius XII Hymnal.”
PDF Download • Commemorating Dr. Fayrfax
A massively underrated composer died 500 years ago today.
PDF Download • “Did Vatican II Reform The Mass?”
Three (3) bullet points, written on a single sheet of paper.
Seriously?? • An Anglican “Halloween Hymn”
Actual hymn lyrics: “Is it spooky? Is it weird?”
PDF Download • “Can A Hymnal Be Too Catholic?”
Can Protestant translations be dangerous? This paper presents items worth considering.