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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

Made in China

Andrew Leung · June 23, 2016

CTL Made in China T IS GOOD TO BE HOME! I have mentioned in a post in the past that there is a diocesan hymnal published by the Sacred Music Commission of the Diocese of Hong Kong. And this hymnal can be found in every single parish in Hong Kong. There are a lot of great hymns in the diocesan hymnal. However, there is basically no Gregorian chant in it except for a few devotional and seasonal hymn like Adoro te devote, Attende Domine and Veni, Veni, Emmanuel. And even these chants are included, the texts of these hymns are only printed in Chinese and singing them in Latin is not an option.

This past week, I visited many beautiful and old churches in Hong Kong with a friend of mine. We visited Rosary Church, one of the oldest churches in Hong Kong (actually the oldest in Kowloon). As I was praying and looking through the pews, a card caught my eyes. This is not just one of those “prayer cards” or holy cards, this card provides some basic Gregorian chant for the congregation. It has four pages and this is how they look.

CTL Made in China 1 CTL Made in China 2 CTL Made in China 3 CTL Made in China 4

They have included the Missa de Angelis, Missa Jubilate Deo and the four Marian Anthems. And just like the Roman Missal, the faithful are supposed to follow the instructions in red and sing the text in black. Chinese translations are provided beneath each of the chant. I thought they picked some good ones to start with. What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave comments on our Facebook page.

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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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

When a friend speaks of his accomplishments and triumphs, he stands at a distance from our heart. When he shares his weaknesses and failings, he’s very near.

— Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

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