T IS ALWAYS difficult to post “live” recordings from Mass. In today’s age, we’re accustomed to flawless recordings by professional singers, captured and mastered with great precision. I used to be afraid of showing others how our choir sounds—because criticism on the internet can be very harsh—but I’ve come to realize that people who criticize the loudest usually have never directed a choir in real life.
The FSSP has begun a parish here in Los Angeles. Our choir began singing in Advent, and I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made. Last Sunday, I stuck a recording device in my pocket, and below you can hear two excerpts. This was the first time we’ve sung the Palestrina polyphony. I’m convinced it will sound better and better as time goes on. Fr. Valentine used to say, “You can play a hundred notes correctly, but if you hit one wrong note, people will focus on that.” So, please be forgiving as you listen to these “live” excerpts:
* * Palestrina Vexilla Regis • Chant followed by Polyphony
* * Kyrie XVII • Gregorian Chant
When I was young, I asked Fr. Peter Gee, FSSP, whether we could play an audio CD during Mass. He replied, “No, because the Mass is something living.” Those recordings—though imperfect—are living prayer.
BY THE WAY, one of our parishioners sent me an recent article in Regina Magazine which talks about the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles:
Images courtesy of Regina Magazine.
