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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

It’s No Fluke

Richard J. Clark · September 13, 2013

N RECENT MONTHS, I have had opportunity to direct music for a number of liturgies at two USCCB conferences in Boston. In my previous post, Reason for Encouragement, I described how a diverse congregation from all over the country sang quite robustly not only the ICEL Chants but also settings of the propers by Adam Bartlett. Considering the musical experience in their home parishes was likely quite varied, I found this development most encouraging.

With that encounter under our belt, a similar approach was taken for the next conference. Realize, that most of these liturgies took place in hotel ballrooms with horrendous acoustics, and little to remind one of a sacred space. (One half expects to see a tip jar on the piano and a cash bar nearby.) Remember too, that incense is a problem as it is likely to set off the fire alarms, and special permits are needed even for the candles on the altar. However, chant and new chant-based music is the one element of the environment that truly says, “We are in a sacred space.” That we could do!

So, once again, this new group of Diocesan leaders that came as far away as Alaska, easily sang Adam Barlett’s settings from his Lumen Christi Missal. Likewise, the ICEL Chants were no obstacle, even when the cantor accidentally sang one in Latin! No one skipped a beat.

Also sung were psalm settings by Jeff Ostrowski from the Chabanel Responsorial Psalms collection, psalms by yours truly, and a beautiful Gospel Acclamation from Royce Nickel from the St. Charles Garnier Gospel Acclamations collection. Additionally, we sang settings of the introit (as a prelude) from the Simple English Propers and from the Graduale Romanum. I find singing chant as a prelude to be another useful tool to introduce the propers, as well as a way set a prayerful tone before mass. (N.B.: ALL of the above music is downloadable for FREE!)

I’m taking away a few observations from these conferences. For starters, that Adam Bartlett’s antiphons are so singable, speaks to the quality of the compositions, not only in melody, but in the natural clarity of phrasing the texts. Each phrase intuitively follows the next as it should. Furthermore, cantor Marc DeMille, whose exquisite diction, phrasing, and humility of character, expressed those works in such a way that the congregation grasped the music almost immediately. It certainly helps to have someone who not only has a beautiful voice, but understands sacred liturgy and chant intimately. These characteristics Mr. DeMille possesses in abundance. Finally, that all of this chant could work in a hotel ballroom means this music travels well and will likely work most anywhere, even in less than ideal conditions.

Adam Bartlett has also suggested that what makes an antiphon singable, sometimes is more attributed to its length, not just its simplicity of melody. In other words, even a very simple melody for a very long antiphon, may discourage a congregation to sing. However, I must say these were moderately lengthy, and they still worked beautifully.

LSO NOTABLE in this conference was a mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross with music lead by John Robinson and the St. Paul Choir School, Harvard Square who sang beautiful settings by Gary Davidson (Hardwicke Mass), Handel, Arthur Wills, and Kenneth Leighton. That bishops and diocesan leaders from all over the country were exposed to such music and responded so positively, is indeed reason for encouragement. One hopes that more seeds have been planted to further the cause of sacred music. As Director of the Office of Divine Worship, Fr. Jonathan Gaspar’s influence on the quality of the sacred music at these conferences is unmistakable. He has set the bar high, and one hopes this mindset will spread—that beautiful liturgy uplifts the faithful so that they may do God’s work.

One day after mass, a woman told me how wonderful it is to sing the scriptures while receiving communion. I doubt she knows at all what the propers of the mass are. However, I find her observation intriguing. She demonstrated that it is far easier to connect the texts of the propers to the mass itself than potentially a hymn or song. The propers beautifully reinforce God’s word.

The power of chant and the propers is no fluke. Try it!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Liberalism in religion is the doctrine that there is no positive truth in religion, but that one creed is as good as another… It teaches that all are to be tolerated, for all are matters of opinion. Revealed religion is not a truth, but a sentiment and a taste; not an objective fact, not miraculous; and it is the right of each individual to make it say just what strikes his fancy. […] Men may go to Protestant Churches and to Catholic, may get good from both and belong to neither.”

— Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman (May of 1879)

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  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
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  • “Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

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