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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

A New Book of Old Hymns 4th edition out now!

Veronica Brandt · September 20, 2014

oremus pro pontifice francisco IFTY THREE LATIN HYMNS plus Missa Orbis Factor and Credo 1 (the default Mass setting for ordinary Sundays). Six English hymns to pad out the gaps and make the page breaks convenient.

Music for Advent, Christmas, Holy Name of Jesus, Candlemas, Lent, Passiontide, Easter, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart, Christ the King, All Saints, All Souls, feasts of Our Lady, for Peace, Thanksgiving and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

All the Latin is accompanied by English translations.

How is this different to the Parish Book of Chant?

This book is made for fun. It was designed for a group of children learning Gregorian chant. I’m sure it could be used in a Parish setting, but that is not its aim. It is a singer’s book.

There are seven rounds or canons. They are all very groovy, very singable and all in Latin. It also includes a two part Veni O Sapientia (O come, O come Emmanuel), Stella Splendens from the Camino de Santiago Compostela and the Christmas favourite Gaudete.

This is also the only book of Gregorian chant largely typed up on an Atari Portfolio. With lots of little boys I needed a device that was portable and dull enough to avoid attention. I could take this little computer outside to keep an eye on my sons while transcribing from the Liber Usualis. The screen was quite readable in daylight. Sadly, it broke after a few years and it has passed on, but I still remember it fondly when working on A New Book of Old Hymns.

How can I get a copy?

 A new book of old hymns 4th ed cover       * *   Paperback, spiral bound and large print through Lulu – use the code MATEY25 for 25% off through 22nd September

If you’re set on a createspace copy, you can find it here – enter code FZS3YC7B for 10% off to match the Amazon price.

The earlier edition is available as a free PDF download. The changes are small – the fourth edition prays for Pope Francis, Hail Redeemer has been replaced by another Christus Vincit, a couple of accent marks have been fixed up, the hymn numbers have been taken out as they can be confused with the page numbers, Blessed Herman is now referred to as “of Reichnau” instead of “the cripple”.

And for those who can’t read music and have asked me for recordings – I’m collecting examples over at New Book, Old Hymns. Any recommendations are appreciated.

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Hymnbooks Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Veronica Brandt

Veronica Brandt holds a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. She lives near Sydney, Australia, with her husband and six children.—(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

According to the Instruction “Musicam sacram” of 5 March 1967, Article 34 §1, the polyphonic “Ordinarium Missae” can in the future still be sung suetis normis, “according to the customary norms,” i.e. by the choir. In fact, this form of the high Mass is placed in high relief compared to the other forms, among which the congregationally sung Gregorian chant Mass deserves our special attention.

— Monsignor Overath (President, “Consociatio Internationalis Musicæ Sacræ” founded by Pope Saint Paul VI

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