Singing the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Baronius Press edition is beautiful, but lacks important markings for singers.
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Archives for May 2020
Covid-19 • “A Word Of Encouragement”
Over these next few months, I want to try reach out to our readers.
Broadcasting Holy Mass During Covidtide
The most problematic genre for use in broadcasting is the English setting of the Mass Ordinary since all of the major settings are currently under copyright.
Arranging and Transcribing Our Way Through the Epidemic
I am imagining a new ensemble, built out of necessity, for the singing of polyphonic motets and even Mass ordinaries.
Returning to the Sacraments • Stories from Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Prevented from receiving Holy Communion for a time, Frassati became “consumed with Eucharistic Fire.”
The Fastest, Cheapest, Painfulest Way to Get a Voice Lesson
You know your own sound so well. You know your strengths, and what you need to work on. Why not suck it up and become your own vocal coach for a while?
“Discussion” • Father Guerrero’s 7th Mode Magnificat
Before we began recording, the participants unanimously gave permission to post online.
Are the Solesmes editions in conformity with the official edition?
Sigh … another day, another invisible “white note” to ignore!
It’s not too late to “Crown Mary”
A mother remembers the time she was chosen to “crown Mary” and describes organizing a “May Crowning” for her family during the pandemic.
Huge Announcement • The Brébeuf Virtual Choir!
The Sacred Music Symposium is bearing fruits none of its organizers—myself included—could have imagined. Laus Deo!
From a Catholic priest…
Regarding the CCW mailing list, a priest (Father E. J.) wrote to us yesterday: “Sometime ago, you wrote something along the lines that none of your emails are copies or merely pitches; each one is individual. I respect you so much for that. I don’t always get to read through them, but they remain in […]
Reopening our Churches – Encouragement – Resources
As churches are working towards reopening, it is also no small change for many to concede congregational singing and choirs of any size. So many musicians have already sacrificed so much, spiritually, artistically, and economically.
“Jesu Nostra Redemptio” • Ancient Hymn for the Ascension translated into English!
Did you know every Mass is a celebration of our Lord’s Ascension? — Here’s proof.
Of Shepherds and Sheep
This image of Christ as the Good Shepherd constitutes the supreme model for all pastors, clerical or (in a broader and unordained sense) lay—anyone leading others into the Sheepfold of the Church. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the various nuances of pastor, or shepherd.
New Harmonies! • “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King”
It’s hard to believe, but Father Knauff’s “Christ the King Hymnal for Congregational Singing” (1954) omitted this hymn!
What to Do When Music Creeps Into Your Prayer
Music is a language, but it does not supplant our own. Rather, it enlivens our words so that they can penetrate the soul with the fullness of their meaning—and enlighten our eyes in any circumstance.
Returning to the Sacraments • “Breathe Easter Now” (Hopkins)
Words of Hope from Gerard Manley Hopkins
PDF Download • Organ Accompaniments (Benediction)
Including O SALUTARIS (“O Saving Victim Opening Wide”) and TANTUM ERGO (“Down in Adoration Falling”) in Latin and English.
Regina Caeli: How Good do you Need to Be to Sing Polyphony?
To sing at Mass though, you need more than just being able to finish together.
How to Change a Hymn Without Changing It
Ever thought of changing the way you play a hymn without needing to have studies advanced theory and harmonization techniques? Here are two ways of changing the way you are playing a hymn without changing the harmony or re-voicing it.