* Brébeuf Hymnal • “What Experts Are Saying”
(Testimonials from authorities on Sacred Music.)
ANY PEOPLE think they need the Liber Usualis, but might actually prefer the Graduale if they knew about it. The Liber Usualis is (of course) the “Vatican Edition” (Editio Vaticana), but with rhythmic signs added by Dom André Mocquereau in 1908 (and not one of these marks was ever changed in a subsequent edition, even 100 years later). If you don’t understand what the “Vatican Edition” is, please watch these videos or read this article. Anyway, here’s an online PDF copy of the 1961 Liber Usualis published by the monks of Solesmes:
Liber Usualis book scan courtesy of Jeffrey Tucker.
If you like the Liber Usualis, you should download the 1957 version that includes English Translations:
“LIBER USUALIS” DESCRIPTION:
The 1961 Edition of the “Liber Usualis” by the Benedictines of the Solesmes Monastery • The “Liber Usualis” contains the complete Latin settings of Gregorian Chant for every Mass of the year (Sundays, Solemnities, Commons and Feasts) as well as for Nuptial Masses, Requiem Masses, Holy Week, and Ordination. Additionally it provides much of the Gregorian Chant to be sung in Latin for the Divine Office (Vespers, Compline, etc.), as well as many other traditional Latin chants and hymns (Litanies, Benediction, and so forth). • Gregorian Chant for Every Mass of the Year • There’s no such thing as a “1962” Liber Usualis, because the 1962 Liber Usualis is identical to the 1961 version +
Our Articles • Some Examples
This short piece shimmers with beauty. The arrangement is by Monsignor René Moissenet. Read more →
A professor at our conservatory always told us: “An example is worth 1,000 words.” Read more →
Fulton J. Sheen told a story about a man who bumped into Abraham Lincoln yelling: “Get out of my way, you big ugly lummox!” Read more →
“I ended up spending hours, transcribing each and every word from Father Fryar’s Symposium lecture. Although it took many hours, I relished the process.” —Corrinne May Read more →
Here's my attempt at recording all the voices myself, to give you a rough idea how it sounds. Read more →
I find this hymn quite beautiful—and singers love it! Read more →
Lyrics in English, with an (optional) version in Latin. Read more →
What happened to all that polyphony once Catholicism became illegal? Read more →
Your singers might enjoy this vocal warm-up exercise I composed for a volunteer choir. Read more →
This would make a splendid gift for boys attempting to memorize the Latin Mass responses. Read more →
Father Ould and William Sewell (organist at the Birmingham Oratory of Saint Philip Neri) produced an impressive collection. Read more →
Composer Richard J. Clark has set four (4) well-loved Eucharistic texts for SATB choir. Read more →
“It was compiled by priests and musicians who are authentically Catholic…” — Lauren Elizabeth Read more →
Including a stunningly gorgeous (and rare!) hymn by Flor Peeters. Read more →
In my 25 years as a choirmaster, I've witnessed hypocrisy and mistreatment that would make your head spin. Read more →
This can seem like a dry topic, but it actually often deals with practical issues faced by every choirmaster who wants to promote plainchant. Read more →
Using this coming Sunday (12th Sunday after Pentecost) as an example. Read more →
I consider this my best organ accompaniment … I hope you like it! Read more →
This is very much a “work in progress”… Read more →
Today's release will go down in history! Read more →
A terrific collection of organ interludes (manuals only) for free PDF download. Read more →
Does this sound like a “hymn” to you? Or does it sound like a “chant” composition? Read more →
“Vespers was crafted and conducted masterfully. We chanted each of the psalms in monastic style, alternating the verses between the two sides of the choir. ” Read more →
In this article, I examine the elusive provenance of what some have called “the most popular piece of plainsong.” Read more →
“A year ago I knew very little about sacred music, but what a marvelous journey it's been!” — Harrison Hoge Read more →
This SATB setting by Father Lhoumeau—although contemporary—certainly adheres to the “rule” of Pope Saint John Paul II. Read more →
“The Sacred Music Symposium was one of the most enjoyable, intense, and spiritually fulfilling experiences of my life.” — Isabella Marie Read more →
The answer surprised me! Read more →
Know of additional church music job openings? Please share them! Read more →
I write in response to the 6 July 2022 statement by Pope Francis: “Make your voices heard! If they do not listen to you, shout even louder.” Read more →
These pieces for “SAB” (Soprano, Alto, Bass) were commissioned by our organization for the National Eucharistic Revival. Read more →
This is the “pure” Vatican Edition—technically the only version of the rhythm allowed by Church documents! Read more →
Installment 3 • “How Has Nobody Done This Before?” (series) Read more →
“The symposium was like nothing I have ever experienced.” — South Dakota Participant Read more →
Installment 2 • “How Has Nobody Done This Before?” (series) Read more →
“The symposium exceeded all of my expectations.” — Pediatrician, Choirmaster, and Mother of Six Children Read more →
Ostrowski Vs. Weaver: Solesmes Rhythm, Gregorian Semiology, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Pothier, Mensuralism, and more! Read more →
“These are the musical treasures everyone needs to know about.” — 2022 Participant Read more →
I've been encouraged to launch a new series! Read more →
More than eighty photographs give you a “glimpse” of a week dedicated to restoring authentic Catholic music. Read more →
“Your faculty may never know the depth of how you affected each person there. For my part, I am forever changed…” — Symposium Participant (Texas) Read more →
Enjoy this tiny “reward” for your phenomenal response to our fundraiser. Read more →
In the days before Vatican II, dioceses had their own special feast days. Read more →
As singers performed this Kevin Allen piece, they wept—but crying is bad for singing technique! Read more →
Every choirmaster should place a high priority on recruitment, otherwise in time he commits a form of “choral contraception”… Read more →
Can modern composers write hymns? Are they stirring? Read more →
“The Vatican Edition … contains absolutely all that is needed for the exact rendition of the liturgical chant.” —Sacred Congregation of Rites (1911) Read more →
A french version (1,798 pages) is also available for free PDF download. Read more →
You will notice Father Guerrero takes the chant melody (“Beata Mater”) and creates a perfect canon between Soprano and Alto. Read more →