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Views from the Choir Loft

Hymns Chosen and Edited by the Duke of Norfolk

Jeff Ostrowski · July 23, 2018

88134 ARUNDEL HYMNS NTIL the Westminster Hymnal appeared, the “best” Catholic hymnal for English-speakers was probably ARUNDEL HYMNS, with an Introductory Letter by Pope Leo XIII. It appeared around the year 1899, after several experimental versions. The official title was:

Arundel Hymns. Chosen and Edited by
Henry, Duke of Norfolk, and Charles P. Gatty.

In 1900, a fascinating review of “Arundel Hymns” was published in a Jesuit Magazine:

HAT THESE HYMNS will achieve immediate popularity with the Catholic masses can hardly be expected. The musical settings to the hymns at present in vogue in our churches are for the most part greatly inferior to those in this volume, but they have obtained a hold upon the affection of the congregations. Their sentimentality, their “sweetness,” their catching rhythms, appeal to the multitude; they are regarded as appropriate at popular services. To the musician, the lover of art, the man of cultivated taste, they are displeasing, and in some cases even offensive; and yet one hesitates to speak harshly of them. They are often the work of earnest, pious amateurs, and they would seem to stir genuine religious emotion in simple hearts.

Nevertheless our sympathy is with the Editors of the Arundel Hymns, who hope to introduce dignified, well-written hymns into our services. Most of the tunes in the collection are old, and their arrangement and adaptation is the work of musicians. We recommend them to the clergy, who, we trust, will not be discouraged if at first they hear complaints that the “new” hymns are drier and colder than the “old.” After all, the public likes what it is accustomed to, and hitherto, in the matter of hymns in our churches, it has too often been given sentimentality and violent rhythmic effects. Possibly it can be taught to appreciate solid worth and artistic restraint; in any case these are more suitable to divine service.

This review almost sounds like it was written in 2018—and I am being very serious!

There is quite a history behind the Arundel Hymnal, and I believe the one who paid for it was a relative of St. Philip Howard, who was martyred in 1595AD. The person to ask about “Arundel Hymns” is probably Veronica Brandt, who has made available a reprint.

Once upon a time, THE MONTH published some really awesome stuff. For example, “Dream of Gerontius” by Cardinal Newman first appeared in its pages. Later, an interesting Jesuit named Fr. Philip Caraman (d. 1998) became the Editor. We have often mentioned Caraman, who edited the Fulton J. Sheen Missal.

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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Jeff Ostrowski

About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

19 January 2021 • Confusion over feasts

For several months, we have discussed the complicated history of the various Christmas feasts: the Baptism of the Lord, the feast of the Holy Family, the Epiphany, and so forth. During a discussion, someone questioned my assertion that in some places Christmas had been part of the Epiphany. As time went on, of course, the Epiphany came to represent only three “manifestations” (Magi, Cana, Baptism), but this is not something rigid. For example, if you look at this “Capital E” from the feast of the Epiphany circa 1350AD, you can see it portrays not three mysteries but four—including PHAGIPHANIA when Our Lord fed the 5,000. In any event, anyone who wants proof the Epiphany used to include Christmas can read this passage from Dom Prosper Guéranger.

—Jeff Ostrowski
6 January 2021 • Anglicans on Plainsong

A book published by Anglicans in 1965 has this to say about Abbat Pothier’s Editio Vaticana, the musical edition reproduced by books such as the LIBER USUALIS (Solesmes Abbey): “No performing edition of the music of the Eucharistic Psalmody can afford to ignore the evidence of the current official edition of the Latin Graduale, which is no mere reproduction of a local or partial tradition, but a CENTO resulting from an extended study and comparison of a host of manuscripts gathered from many places. Thus the musical text of the Graduale possesses a measure of authority which cannot lightly be disregarded.” They are absolutely correct.

—Jeff Ostrowski
2 January 2021 • Temptation

When I see idiotic statements made on the internet, I go nuts. When I see heretics promoted by people who should know better, I get angry. Learning to ignore such items is difficult—very difficult. I try to remember the words of Fr. Valentine Young: “Do what God places in front of you each day.” When I am honest, I don’t believe God wants me to dwell on errors and idiocy; there’s nothing I can do about that. During 2021, I will strive to do a better job following the advice of Fr. Valentine.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“From the responses received, it is thus clear that by far the greater number of bishops feel that the present discipline [Communion on the tongue and not in the hand] should not be changed at all—indeed, that if it were changed, this would be offensive to the sensibility and spiritual appreciation of these bishops and of most of the faithful.”

— Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship (29 May 1969)

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