Can Sacred Music Be Saved? • (How exactly?)
I know of no greater composition than this one—and it was written by a devout Catholic priest.
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Archives for April 2020
Audiation for Choristers
The reality in any great liturgical choir is that there is simply too much music to learn by rote.
For Shame! • Collegeville blog says looking at Crucifix “skirts the edge of idolatry”
The Roman Missal explicitly tells the priest to look at the Crucifix at various times during the Holy Mass.
What Spilling My Coffee Taught Me About Directing My Choir
(Keven Smith) • Yesterday morning I spilled coffee all over my desk before leaving for our live-streamed Mass. It ended up being a great move+
“Virtual Mass Is Not The Same” • Sermon by Father Mark Ostrowski
On 26 April 2020, Fr. Ostrowski explained an unintended “Covid-19” consequence—from which we can learn.
Trust the Good Shepherd
These difficult times call for an extra measure of humility, patience and trust.
“Ransomed” during a pandemic
a mother and musician looks to Our Lady of Ransom for succor.
Compline in the Home – via Podcasts!
Having a printed copy of the Divine Office is a good step, but actually hearing it sung really brings it alive.
If you are having a bad day, this is what it means
God ensures will blossom even harsh conditions.
“Hearing the Music of Heaven” • An interview with Father Dominic White OP
An interview with the Dominican composer and theologian Fr Dominic White about his work and theological approach to music.
Can Ordinary Form Masses Be “Enriched” By The Extraordinary Form?
Do we truly believe the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity becomes present at Mass? Is this how we treat the Sanctissimum?
Dealing With Calumny
All of us have probably been the victim of calumny. Calumny can be especially painful if the person telling lies is someone you helped. Next time this happens in your life, try an experiment: Write the person’s name on an Index card, place it on your shoulder, and flick it to the ground—meaning you will […]
Easter Chants from Fisher House
A recording of the chants of the Easter Vigil.
“Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” • (Hymn #697)
…including several captivating attempts to translate “Victimae Paschali Laudes.”
The Unintended Consequences of Live Streaming Mass
If someone is not entertained watching a live streamed Mass, they can just change the channel.
Rehearsal • “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”
Including information about a *fabulous* liturgical book from the 1950s.
From “Vexilla Christus Inclyta”
Non ille regna cládibus, | Non vi metúque súbdidit: | Alto levátus stípite, | Amóre traxit ómnia.—“It is not by combat or force or fear that Christ subdues nations but lifted up upon the tree, he draws all things to himself by love.” Servat fides connúbia, | Juvénta pubet íntegra, | Pudíca florent límina | […]
As Seen On Facebook…
This Covid-19 crisis has caused results I never expected; and not in a good way.
The Offertory Antiphons of the Easter Octave
United by the theme of sacred “commercium”
Why are you sad, O my soul?
It is alright to feel sad. The other alternative would be indifference, and that would be a real tragedy.
Maintaining Easter Joy in a Pandemic
Would you believe Easter Monday is usually one of the darkest days of my year?
A Blessing and a Curse: Digital Sheet Music
Have you seen a musician using a tablet to read their music as they performed? Ever wondered how that would work in your choir or for you?
Yikes! • More Plagiarism from Boise’s Bishop
I did some digging—and the results aren’t pretty. I hope Bishop Christensen will immediately retract his directive, which contains false statements.
Biography • Keven Smith
Keven earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and a Master of Professional Writing degree from the University of Southern California…
Repeating Repertoire? • William Fritz
As church musicians, we have incredible responsibility and influence.