Don’t listen to excuses!
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Father Herbert Thurston • “I Fear the Man With One Book”
“Sometimes there was the possibility to be faced that a particular line of research could never be followed to a successful conclusion because the evidence was now no longer available.”
What is the Tonic Accent?
We should define our terms. What makes a syllable accented, and what makes an accent a tonic accent?
PDF Download • 1909 “Modern Notation” Gradual (Extremely Rare) — 712 Pages
The truth is stranger than fiction.
Folk Mass Clip • Priest Facing “Ad Orientem”
Then he got really angry (because it dawned on him what he’d just admitted).
“On Eagles’ Wings?” • I Found Something Better!
The songs and hymns were pleasantly familiar … to the point where after twelve years I could play by heart every song in the ‘Breaking Bread’ hymnal.
Hidden Gem: Adoro Te Devote (Carlotta Ferrari)
Find out why this motet is simple enough for beginning choirs yet demanding enough to challenge seasoned singers.
PDF Download • “Keenly Rare!” • Gregorian Chant Booklet on 5 Lines (1920) — 326 Pages
There must have been a need for such a booklet, otherwise he would not have gone to the trouble of creating it!
Church Music • “Should It Make Your Congregation Happy or Sad?”
If your priest approaches you after Mass and says the music sounded horrible, it’s incorrect to reply: “Well, that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Getting More Mileage out of a Polyphonic Requiem
“Many choirs only have the opportunity to sing a choral Requiem Mass once a year, if that.” —Patrick Williams
PDF Download • “Organ Accompaniment Booklet” (25 pages) — Vespers, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
The internet is putting good people in touch with one another.
Introducing The Saint Hildegard Project
Comprised of men and women who share a fervent devotion to the music itself, The Saint Hildegard Project strives to teach with integrity and perform with excellence for the edification of souls and the glory of God.
Video • “Counting Gregorian Chant” … according to Dom Mocquereau’s Method
The example chosen is the strenuous offertory (“Jubiláte Déo”) for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.
New Lectionary for the USA • Coming in 2028?
“Work hasn’t even begun on the next Lectionary, and there’s nothing definite about 2028 as a date.” — Father Andrew V. Menke, director of the USCCB liturgical committee
Hymn Experiment • “Does This Work?”
If memory serves, his exact words were: “Gee, I never thought about that before.” Astonishing!
PDF Download • Max Springer’s Gradual in Modern Notation (870 pages) — Extravagantly Rare!
In addition to this rare book by Max Springer (870 pages), I release the draft copy of a new Gregorian project (157 pages).
Which Hymnal Did Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Endorse?
Musicians can have a stronger voice than even the legendary Fulton J. Sheen!
What Exactly Is Dr. Peter Wagner Talking About?
“These manuscripts had to be sought out in the public or capitular libraries, whose conservators were often hardly supportive of—if not outright hostile to—the reproduction of their treasures.”
“Solesmes Method” • Where was it developed?
Father Ralph March wrote: “If any single man could deserve the title father of the renewed chant it would be Dom Joseph Pothier.”
PDF Download • The Official Funeral Booklet for Pope Benedict XVI (37 pages)
We strive to emphasize the positive on this blog, but I have to admit…
PDF Download • Ancient Christmas Hymn with Modern Harmonies (4 pages)
She said: “Jeff, you should record these harmonies with human voices, to illustrate what you mean.”
Document restricting the Latin Mass “broke Pope Benedict’s heart” says Archbishop Gänswein
The motu proprio 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝐶𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑠 “hit him pretty hard” says the private secretary to the Pope Emeritus.
“Sacred Time” Framed on our Wall
According to Cardinal Ratzinger “man is woven into the fabric of the universe. Time is first of all a cosmic phenomenon. Man lives with the stars.”
“Chant Rhythm Wars” • Chorale and Chant Carefully Considered (2 Jan 2023)
“The equalist plainchant of the High Middle Ages is as far removed from the rhythmic chant of the Early Middle Ages as the isometric chorales are from their rhythmic predecessors.” —Patrick Williams
PDF Download • Extremely Rare! • Gregorian Accompaniments (513 pages)
Dr. Peter Wagner, a famous musicologist, founded the “Gregorian Academy” in Freiburg (Switzerland).
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“Requiescat In Pace” • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Josef Ratzinger, who did so much good for the church.
PDF Download • “What Child Is This?” • Jeff’s Arrangement of This Carol … in Latin!
This morning I sat down and arranged what—in my view—is one of the beautiful Christmas carols.
Young Boys Who “Play” Mass
A mother describes her son’s love for the Mass. He memorizes and recruits friends to “play Mass.” We are a people of hope.
PDF Download • “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” for 2 parts
I didn’t have the heart to tell this fellow that the same melody occurs at other times of the liturgical year.
Available Now! • 4th Sunday of Advent
Those who so desire may now download this organ accompaniment booklet (25 pages) for the 4th Sunday of Advent, including the “O ANTIPHON” for 18 December 2022.
PDF • “Rorate Mass Musical Booklet” (39 pages)
In my humble opinion, that ‘explanation’ is sheer, unadulterated gobbledygook.