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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

Arvo Pärt received the Ratzinger Prize

Andrew Leung · November 23, 2017

CTL Arvo Part Ratzinger Award 1 FEW WEEKS AGO, I had the opportunity to sing in a concert under Peter Philips’ direction. In that program was three pieces by the Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt. I sang his music (Berliner Messe) for the first time when I was a freshmen in college and it was very nice to be able to sing in his unique “Tintinnabuli“, or bell-like, style again after so many years (we did Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis and Tintinnabuli).

Arvo Pärt is one of the winners of this year’s Ratzinger Prize, which is often regarded as the Nobel Prize in the field of theology. The Ratzinger Foundation awards was created in 2011 to recognize the work of academics in theology, whether they are Catholic or not. Before this award, Pärt also received a honorary doctorate in sacred music by the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music and was nominated by Benedict XVI, member of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

Pärt is an Orthodox and one of the most-recognized composers in the area of sacred music. He is a very spiritual person and has great love for the liturgy, just like Pope Benedict. I shared a video of him earlier this year and it shows that Pärt is very deeply rooted in the faith. He and the other award winners were received by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI himself on November 17; and the prize was presented to him by Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace on the following day.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture and a member of the Ratzinger Foundation said this about Arvo Pärt at a press conference:

“He is the greatest living contemporary musician, with an immense and extraordinarily high production, able to combine the great legacy of the past, including Gregorian chant, with today’s new musical grammar. A beautiful choice, that of the commission, aimed at pointing out that new way for theology that is music”


Photo credit: Arvo Pärt Centre

Pärt said in his vote of thanks later that evening:

“I am personally very touched and grateful – especially to you, the members of the Joseph Ratzinger or Pope Benedict XVI Foundation – for this trust and honor. However, it is not an easy task to remain worthy of this honor as a human being. It is a great challenge. We are not dealing here with an ordinary merit that one could use to boast.

Dear brothers, we need your help, please don’t leave us alone now. This is what we plead from you.”

And here is a work by Pärt, Cecilia, Vergine Romana performed at the Concert in honor of the Holy Father in 2011.


Happy belated Feast Day!!! St. Cecilia, pray for us!

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

    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

Saint Phillip Neri founded a religious congregation called the Oratory. Animuccia was involved from early on and remained “maestro di capella” of the Oratory until his death. The Oratory was able to attract many musicians who volunteered their services, including the famous singer Francesco Soto de Langa from the Capella Sistina, the composer Palestrina, and probably the composer Tomás Luis de Victoria who lived in the same house as St. Phillip Neri for five years.

— Source Unknown

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