Views from the Choir Loft

Olivier Latry: Recital in Dallas This Sunday

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · February 18, 2020

N 2017, Dr. Denis McNamara published an excellent and informative article on Pope St. John XXIII’s allocution given for the blessing of the renovated pipe organ in St. Peter’s Basilica, which took place just before the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Seeing that most official Church documents lack detail about the “foundational theology of the pipe organ,” this papal address turns out to be one of the more important ecclesiastical utterances of that which holds ‘pride of place’ among musical instruments. Both grandeur and the eschatological are part of the organ’s milieu, providing unity across cultures, support from its own ‘breath,’ and the foretaste of heaven’s never-ending liturgy. These elements are especially true when executed by a master musician.

I am pleased to announce that this Sunday, February 23rd, at 7:30pm, Olivier Latry, one of three titular organists from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris, will be in recital at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, TX. Mr. Latry will play an all-French program including improvisations.

The uncertain future of his home Cathedral and of the magnificent organ contained therein lends an extra pathos and gravitas to Latry’s concert appearances these next several years; whether he or anyone ever plays there again remains unknown. Anyone fortunate enough to have heard him in person at Notre-Dame, with the fiery reeds of the Cavaillé-Coll blazing down the ancient nave, know full well the power and mastery of his playing. If you are anywhere near Dallas this Sunday, please do join us. There is no charge for admission. Check here to stay updated via our Facebook pages.

About Dr. Alfred Calabrese

Dr. Alfred Calabrese is Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, TX where he leads a comprehensive program including the St. Rita Choral Academy. He is a guest conductor, composer, educator, and writer and has been called "one of the finest conductors of his generation" by the dean of American choral conductors, Robert Shaw.

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

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski