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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

Review • Bread from Heaven

Andrew Leung · July 23, 2015

CTL Bread from Heaven 2 NEW BOOK IS OUT! A collection of English Eucharistic motets called, Bread from Heaven, was published recently. The music was adapted and engraved by Heath Morber, Director of Music at St. John’s Catholic Chapel in Champaign, IL. Ben Yanke, who writes on Chant Café and NLM, helped with the publishing. This book is available on Lulu. A preview of the book is also available here.

Now let me actually get onto the book.

Eucharistic Text — There are 9 common Eucharistic texts set to 14 motets in this collection. The original Latin texts are from the Ad libitum communion antiphons found on p.391 of the Graduale Romanum. And of course, the texts are all scriptural and theologically correct. These texts are basically suitable for any season and can be sung during communion on any day.

These motets are generally pretty short, usually about 2 pages and no more than 30 measures. A Psalm verse is printed at the end of each motet, so there is an option for singing the motet twice with the psalm verse in the middle. The psalm tones are written and arranged by Aristotle Esguerra. Having the option of adding the psalm verse makes the time-controlling easier. It also gives people a chance to sneak in the communion antiphon of the day if the choir or schola isn’t used to singing it. So, instead of singing what the texts of the psalm verse, one can sing the antiphon of the day to the psalm tone given.

English Motets — The Eucharistic texts were translated into English and set to the original polyphony. The translation are very accurate and most of them are from the Roman Missal directly. Some of the texts have been modified by Heath to fit into the music. The pitches of the music itself have been retained, but rhythms have been re-worked for the English texts. I sang through a couple pieces myself and I found them pretty smooth. Although, I would say that English diction is harder than Latin in general and that can be a little tricky.

Some people may say that the “English” part is not ideal for the Traditional Latin Mass. However, I think it is perfect for the “average Novus Ordo parishes”, which is probably most of Catholic churches in the country. The acceptance of the Latin language is growing, but still not everybody likes to hear it. I don’t think that should be an excuse not to sing in Latin, but having the option of good English motets can avoid some fights.

Choir-friendly — Regarding the level of difficulties of these pieces, I would say they are from easy to medium. As I said before, they are pretty short which makes them easier to learn. The music of the motets are taken out of larger works (like the Mass Ordinary) of Orlando di Lasso, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Josquin des Pres. The collection also include 49 different voicings for the 14 motets which makes them extremely flexible. And once you purchase the book, a free PDF is available for download.

All of these pieces are in two-parts or three-parts and they are great for smaller choirs or developing choirs. I just sang one of the motets this weekend with a friend of mine at the Catholic center on a college campus. A lot of times, directors with small amateur choirs have hard times finding and picking quality music. Here is the perfect collection for that kind of situation.

Here is a recording of my friends singing a piece from the book:

The Bread that I Will Give
3-voice setting based on the De posuit potentes from Magnificat quarti toni by Palestrina


Soprano: Bridget Scott
Alto I: Beth Nowokunski
Alto II: Angela Russo

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 Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers, and music director at Our Lady of China Church.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Why A “Fugue” Here?
    I believe I know why this plainsong harmonizer created a tiny fugue as the INTRODUCTION to his accompaniment. Take a look (PDF) and tell me your thoughts about what he did on the feast of the Flight of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Egypt (17 February). And now I must go because “tempus fugit” as they say!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
    Those who don’t sign up for our free EMAIL NEWSLETTER miss important notifications. Last week, for example, I sent a message about this job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year plus benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Did they simplify these hymn harmonies?
    Choirs love to sing the famous & splendid tune called “INNSBRUCK.” Looking through a (Roman Catholic) German hymnal printed in 1952, I discovered what appears to be a simplified version of that hymn. In other words, their harmonization is much less complex than the version found in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal (which is suitable for singing by SATB choir). Please download their 1952 harmonization (PDF) and let me know your thoughts. I really like the groovy Germanic INTRODUCTION they added.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Always remember: God opposes the proud.” (leaning into the microphone) “…even when they’re right!”

— ‘Scott Hahn, speaking in Plano, TX’

Recent Posts

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  • “Puzzling Comment” • By A Respected FSSP Priest
  • New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
  • “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)

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