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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

Tallis Scholars Live

Fr. David Friel · December 15, 2013

E PHILADELPHIANS had a rare privilege this week. After two days of snow, our “Concerts at the Cathedral” series brought to our city the legendary Tallis Scholars as part of their 40th Anniversary Tour. They were every bit as magnificent in person as they are on recordings.

In reading the program beforehand, I was pleased to see Victoria’s Missa Gaudeamus among the selections to be performed. I was surprised, however, to notice that the Credo had been omitted. It was a thrill when, after the Gloria, the singers began the Credo anyway. So much for the program; maybe the text was too long to fit on the page.

After my initial thrill at hearing the intonation of the Credo, I began to relax and enjoy the movement. What struck me was nothing technical. I was not processing the inner harmonies or dynamics of the music. Rather, I felt invited to meditate on the mysteries of the faith.

As the Credo slowly proceeded, I had time to consider each of the tenets of faith included therein. In my normal weekly recitation of the Nicene Creed, there is hardly time for such meditation and consideration. It was a welcome Advent gift.

What if we had this opportunity every week at Mass? Most of the Mass-goers I know wouldn’t see it this way, but I would consider it such a blessing. To sing or chant the Creed at all is a rarity in the average parish, but to have a polyphonic setting of the Creed would be outright unthinkable in most places.

The experience I had on Tuesday evening wasn’t in the context of liturgy, but I was grateful for the moments of unhurried mediation I had under the guidance of Victoria and the incomparable Tallis Scholars.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: congregational singing, Singing the Mass Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Contradictions place us at the foot of the Cross, and the Cross places us at the gates of Heaven.” (Saint John Mary Vianney)

— Cardinal Merry del Val’s Prayer-Book

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