Views from the Choir Loft

First Look Images! • “Proper Of The Mass” By Fr. Samuel F. Weber

Jeff Ostrowski · April 9, 2015

ERE ARE SOME photos of Fr. Samuel F. Weber’s new book—The Proper of the Mass for Sundays and Solemnities: Chants for the Roman Missal in English—published by Ignatius Press. The book is much thinner than I had anticipated for being 1,292 pages; it’s approximately the size & weight of the Jogues Lectionary. (The super thin pages are not very opaque, I’m afraid.)

The following link has audio samples & purchase information:

* * “Proper of the Mass” • 1,292 pages

At the moment, I don’t want to say anything negative about such a marvelous production. However, I cannot help observing one thing. Since this collection is meant for singing, Fr. Weber probably should have used the “sung” Propers, which are found in the Graduale Romanum. Fr. Weber tended to favor the “spoken” version. On a practical level, this means that some of the Communion antiphons won’t match the Roman Gradual (revised in 1974). ¹

A large percentage of the “sung” and “spoken” propers are identical, and Fr. Weber often used melodies identical to corresponding antiphons in the Graduale. That’s why his occasional preference for the “spoken” version printed in the Missal is perplexing. ²

949 Ignatius Press Proper of the Mass in English

948 Ignatius Press Proper of the Mass in English

950 Ignatius Press Proper of the Mass in English

947 Ignatius Press Proper of the Mass in English

NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1 Tons of other collections could be used when the Communion antiphons don’t match: Motyka’s Communions, the SEP, the Lalemant, the official version from the Graduale, and many more.

2 Obviously, since the Roman Missal doesn’t print any Offertory verses, Fr. Weber drew these exclusively from the Graduale. My understanding is that many of the translations are his own.

About Jeff Ostrowski

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski