* 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
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 →
If there's a more beautiful setting of this text, I don't know what it could be. Read more →
If you spot typos, please let us know! Read more →
Does the music of Franz Liszt belong to Adolf Hitler? Read more →
Sign up today! A few voice parts still have openings. Read more →
The choir director's vocation is chock-full of difficulties. Read more →
Including a remarkable musical setting by Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923). Read more →
Certainly the only “Eucharistic” hymn to Saint Joseph I know! Read more →
For this coming Sunday (Passion Sunday), there’s only one “MMV” singers must observe—and I placed a little arrow above it. Read more →
Fulton J. Sheen reminded us: “Many a pontiff goes through life without making a single infallible decision … not one.” Read more →
We’ve streamlined our application process; register online today! Read more →
The conscientious choirmaster takes people where they are and then—carefully and prudently—leads them to something higher. Read more →
I could not function as a choirmaster without this collection. Read more →
In this meeting—and subsequent statement—Pope Francis made it clear that institutes like the FSSP are not affected by “Traditionis Custodes.” Read more →
What I've labeled “musical diversity” could also be thought of as “balance.” Read more →
This powerful response—by a Catholic priest—is without question one of the most fascinating things I've ever read. Read more →
English has words whose meanings directly contradict each other (such as “cleave” or “sanction”). Read more →
I'm someone who harbors an irrational fear of anything I'm not familiar with. Read more →
Also included are three (3) versions of the Stations of the Cross, by Fulton J. Sheen, Cardinal Ratzinger, and Alphonsus Liguori. Read more →
Sophia Institute Press has made a huge announcement regarding the 3rd edition. Read more →
The music of Mæstro Clark was featured in the “Metro Section,” which has a tremendous circulation. Read more →
For those who have never experienced Vespers, an answer like that comes across as “gobbledygook.” Read more →
Destroying the season of Epiphany was in direct disobedience to Vatican II. Read more →
My brother immediately said: “I would never use this; it's terrible, Jeff.” — And he was correct! Read more →
Vatican II said: “The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care” (SC §114). Read more →
“The Extraordinary Form is another expression (older than the 1969 Missal) and is a valid expression of the Church's liturgy.” —Arthur Roche Read more →
Louis Bouyer—the priest chosen to compose “Eucharistic Prayer II”—condemned the liturgical reforms when he saw the results. Read more →
During November, our parish sings hymns to Christ the King, All Saints, and the Faithful Departed. Read more →
A USCCB statement: singing psalms at Mass “may create problems” … ? Read more →
Including more information about the “Pope Pius XII Hymnal.” Read more →
No sane person would claim that tunes by Marty Haugen, David Haas, or Rory Cooney constitute polyphony. Read more →
John Newton—who wrote “Amazing Grace”—was a slave trader, but ended up being caught and made a slave himself! Read more →
Three (3) bullet points, written on a single sheet of paper. Read more →
Once these songs get into your head, they won't leave easily—but that's okay! Read more →
Actual hymn lyrics: “Is it spooky? Is it weird?” Read more →
At the conservatory, we're surrounded by hundreds of professional musicians; but stepping into a Catholic parish the situation is quite different. Read more →
Fulton J. Sheen: “In those days there were no scandal columns, but there were scandalmongers.” Read more →
Can Protestant translations be dangerous? This paper presents items worth considering. Read more →
The ability of your singers to sight-read music instantly does not guarantee a good performance. Read more →
Did Vatican II “restore” the hymns—as mandated by §93 of Sacrosanctum Concilium? Read more →
Forty images of (IMHO) the patron saints of church musicians. Read more →
Did you know Catholics began translating hymns from Latin into the vernacular about 400 years before the Protestant Revolution? Read more →