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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

Something Unexpected

Aurelio Porfiri · October 5, 2015

236 Aurelio Porfiri OMETHING UNEXPECTED happened recently, which made me think a lot. I was walking the streets of Macau, contemplating my imminent return to Rome. 1 During my walk, I happened upon two of my students. When I met them, they were taken by surprise—but I failed to understand the reason. One of them explained me: when I hailed them on the street, they were singing one of my liturgical songs, Angele Dei qui custos es mei (for solo, female choir and organ). I was, of course, surprised and pleased by this—realizing that many Chinese students are not Christians, but that my music can break barriers and appeal also to those that were not raised in a Christian tradition.

I deeply love my students and I always think that, despite the huge limitations of the city where they have to grow up, they are bright and brilliant if given a chance to develop their talents freely. I consider yesterday’s meeting a sign of God. I really want to think that their guardian angels are tapping on their shoulders, hoping to be noticed by them amidst the noises of a city totally immersed in a gambling atmosphere. If my music can help the guardian angels, should I not be happy for this?

Indeed—as I have always mentioned—music is not and cannot be neutral. Music has a power of influence that can awaken specific cultural and social memories in a way that can lead or mislead to the desired outcomes. This is why not all music is good for the liturgy: because not all music serve the purposes of the liturgy.

I was looking at a YouTube interview with Stephen Colbert. I must tell you that I like him, and take comedians very seriously. Now, he was being interviewed by a Jesuit priest, the editor of the magazine AMERICA. This priest asked Colbert about his favorite church hymns and Colbert started listing some of the 60s favorites, even beginning to dance to one of the tunes. That is exactly the problem: most of these songs are just relying on light catchy melodies strongly relying on rhythmic elements to save the day, but with no or little substance outside rhythm. Of course rhythm is important; but when isolated from a more general musical context, starts to become a worshiper of Dyonisus, and forget that it belongs also to Apollo.

I think that my students teach me an important lesson: God works in mysterious ways…mmm…did I hear this phrase somewhere else?



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   I will reside there after seven years spent working here in China, composing hundreds of new pieces—most of them now published around the world, for which I am so grateful.

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 Aurelio Porfiri

Renowned as composer, conductor, theorist, author, pedagogue, and organist, Aurelio Porfiri has served the Church on multiple continents at the highest levels. Born and raised in Italy, he currently serves as Director of Choral Activities and Composer in Residence for Santa Rosa de Lima School (Macao, China).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “7 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

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

“The authority of the Pope is not unlimited. It is at the service of Sacred Tradition. Still less is any kind of general ‘freedom’ of manufacture, degenerating into spontaneous improvisation, compatible with the essence of faith and liturgy. The greatness of the liturgy depends—we shall have to repeat this frequently—on its lack of spontaneity.”

— Josef Cardinal Ratzinger (2000)

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