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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Christmas and the Universal Role of Music

Richard J. Clark · December 25, 2015

HRISTMAS IS a time in which music plays a universal role. It is deeply important for those who are devoutly religious and for those who are not. Music touches all of us who are struggling with our own faith.

The birth of Christ recalls a specific time and place as does the music of Christmas. It is sacred music that has poured out into an increasingly secular world. This is a wonderful opportunity and with it comes a special call of service.

Saint Cecilia is the patroness of sacred music and, as such, holds a special place in the hearts of musicians. “He who sings prays twice” is a saying often attributed to Saint Augustine. There is reason to believe that Augustine may not have written those exact words, but he did write, “Singing belongs to the one who loves.”

Music has a unique way of lifting our spirits and making us happy. It is evocative and stirs up memories and experiences from earlier times and places. Singing has the power to unite and to create harmony out of diversity. And song is a gift from God — an expression of his love for us. How do we acknowledge such a gift? By singing. We sing praise to God as a way of expressing our gratitude and love.

In addition to making music that is pleasing to the ear, music ministers are called to serve the community by fostering prayer. In service of the liturgy, sacred music is not simply for ephemeral pleasure (although one hopes it is pleasing!) but for transformative healing and enduring growth. This holds true both for the individual and the community. This is our hope — this is our call.

For when we enter the doors of our churches one never knows what pain, suffering, grief or burdens those among us carry. This is the beauty and the gift of community. When we are unable to pray — when we are distracted, or burdened, or overcome with grief — the community carries us along; the community buoys our spirit and sustains us; the community prays on our behalf. Our voices raised in prayer each week can provide comfort and solace to our brothers and sisters in need. Our very presence at liturgy, along with our spoken and sung prayer, have untold effects on others and can act as a lifeline in ways which we will never know.

For with the birth of Christ comes not only the baby Jesus, but justice, peace and our very Salvation. For this we shout for joy, singing a new song unto the Lord! (Psalm 98)

A cry from deep within our being, music is a way for God to lead us to the realm of higher things. — St. Augustine, Epistoia 166, De origine animae hominis


COMMUNION PROPER FOR EPIPHANY:

      * *  Free Download:
PDF • Vidimus stellam | Communion Antiphon | Epiphany of the Lord | for Schola, SATB, Organ
Here’s a demo I threw together quickly. I used the piano instead of the organ as I was traveling at the time:
      * *  YouTube:  Rehearsal DEMO

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 Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Pope Francis breaks Catholic traditions whenever he wants because he is free from disordered attachments. Our Church has indeed entered a new phase: with the advent of this first Jesuit pope, it is openly ruled by an individual rather than by the authority of Scripture alone or even its own dictates of tradition plus Scripture.”

— Fr. Thomas Rosica (31 July 2018)

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