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Views from the Choir Loft

“Arundel Catholic Hymns” • 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: May 11, 2021

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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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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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The ratio of voices in modern choirs is usually wrong. Basses should be numerically greatest, then altos, then tenors, then sopranos. One good soprano can carry a high “A” against 30 lower voices.

— Roger Wagner

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