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Views from the Choir Loft

Podcast on Sacred Music

Fr. David Friel · May 14, 2017

Y FIRST FORAY into the world of podcasts came a couple of weeks ago when I agreed to be interviewed by some seminarians who are involved in the blog of my alma mater, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook. Their blog, entitled Seminarian Casual, features articles on a variety of topics written by a mix of seminarians and priests.

For the interview, I was led to a room that used to be a “phone room” when I was a seminarian (an anachronism, to say the least). The space has now been admirably transformed into a makeshift studio, complete with microphones, mixers, and acoustical foam on the walls and ceiling.

The topic of my interview was sacred music, so I am providing a link to it here for the benefit of our readers:

    * *  PODCAST • Sacred Music Today


The podcast is 30 minutes long, and some of the more specific topics of discussion include: the distinction between sacred, religious, and secular music; the ideal qualities of a music director; the differences between chant and polyphony; the proper role of hymnody in Catholic worship.

If listening to the podcast prompts any questions or thoughts, please feel free to comment!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Gregorian Chant, Hymns Replacing Propers Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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Fr. David Friel

About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served as Parochial Vicar at St. Anselm Parish in Northeast Philly. He is currently a doctoral candidate in liturgical theology at The Catholic University of America.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

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Due to Covid-19, California has basically been under “lock down” for 11 months, and these restrictions have had quite a detrimental effect on our choral programs. We are frequently limited to just 2-3 singers, on account of regulations by the government and our Archdiocese. However, although the number of singers is quite small, I was struck by the beauty of the singing last Sunday. Listen to this 15-second live excerpt and see if you agree?

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