Views from the Choir Loft

Sacred Music Camp for Children in Philadelphia

Fr. David Friel · June 10, 2018

HILADELPHIA’S Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul has a rich musical history, which was nicely summarized in a booklet published a few years ago. This summer, however, will mark a musical first for the basilica.

The inaugural Cantate Domino Festival is a musical camp open to boys and girls, 7–15 years of age. The event will span two weekdays in July and conclude with an evening concert. Participants will receive training in singing technique and music theory, reinforced through exposure to sacred repertoire.

The Festival will be held July 23 and 24, 2018, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The concluding event will be a concert in the basilica at 7 PM on July 24, 2018.

This camp will be staffed by a group of experienced and well-trained musicians, including:

Charlene Angelini, Director of Music at the Cathedral Basilica

Danielle Molan, Archdiocesan Children’s Choir Director

Nathan Knutson, Director of Sacred Music, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Lisa Knutson, Administrator, Zipoli Institute for Sacred Music

Mark Loria, Principal Organist at the Cathedral Basilica

More information and the registration form for the Cantate Domino Festival are available here.

About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel served for five years 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 in Washington, D.C.

“Daily I sat in the temple, close to you…”

Fulton J. Sheen always said the “very best translation” of Sacred Scripture was the version by Monsignor Ronald Knox, and here’s what Knox had for the Passion read today (Pre-1955 Palm Sunday): “And Jesus said to the multitude at that hour, You have come out to my arrest with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber; and yet I used to sit teaching in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me.” (Mt 26:55)

Did you catch that? Our Lord sat close to them! He was near them! The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity touched them, and was friendly toward them! Truly, the people who can hurt us the most—and betray us the most—are those whom we have loved.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski