“Homily for Septuagesima Sunday” (EF) • Father Valentine Young, OFM
I don’t know whether all of you will agree with me when I say: “life is not fair”—but I would imagine older people would agree.
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Archives for January 2021
A Lesson in Chant from the Late Fr. Foster
My personal encounter with him left a strong impression, which I will share here.
Music Conference at the Vatican
The theme for this virtual conference will be “Church and Music: Texts and Contexts”
Alleluia, Dulce Carmen – sing it while you can!
A hymn for the last week before Septuagesima, or in the weeks leading up to Lent. Squeeze in all the Alleluias you can before they’re put on ice.
Quick Vocal Tip: Breathe on Cutoffs
This simple breathing hack could bring new life to your choir’s sound.
Making Sacraments Available amidst Adversity
WWII Chaplain recognized for his heroic ministry after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis
Glaring Omission from Post-Vatican II Lectionary
In the 1980s, Father Valentine wrote to a Vatican Congregation in Rome about this omission. It still hasn’t been fixed.
20 January 2021 • REMINDER
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(Ladies Singing Low) • “Adding Fifths Above”
Under Covid-19, certain “pre-conciliar” practices have been mandated by the same bishops who previously declared such things to be evil.
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 […]
PDF Download • “Mass Propers For Sundays And Holydays Set To Simple Melodies” (429 pages)
In 1947, this book was given a double “Imprimatur” by Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York.
Hidden Gem: Salvum Fac Populum Tuum (Bruckner)
This little-known, accessible motet could serve as your choir’s introduction to the thrilling sonic world of Anton Bruckner.
Landmark Documentary on the Renewal of Sacred Music
A documentary on the work of Paul Jerberg — one of the most important voices on sacred music in the Church today
Thou Hast Saved the Good Wine until Now
Reflections on the communion chant for the Second Sunday after Epiphany
“Homily for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany” (EF) • Father Valentine Young, OFM
Why have I been so blessed, and spared such hardships?
Lies, Lies, Lies
“Narrative lies” cannot exist without a storyteller.
What Color Is B-Flat? Life as a Musician with Synesthesia
Musicians rely on hearing. Hearing is a sense. Synesthesia makes the senses cross over. And that’s where the fun begins….
Catholic Choirmasters • Never Fall For This!
Statements so appalling, egregious, and atrocious they must be corrected…
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 […]
PDF Download • “Essential Liturgical Chart”
I’ve never spent as much time creating a Liturgical Chart as I did for this one.
PDF Download • “Blessing of Epiphany Water”
An 18-page PDF for the Solemn Blessing of Water on the Eve of the Epiphany.
Here’s a New Year’s Resolution: Tell Strangers What You Do
A recent encounter made me realize what can happen when we discuss church music with others.
Practical Reflections on the Restored Order
Thoughts from Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu
PDF Download • “Puer Natus In Bethlehem” — Simple Christmas Hymn (2 Pages)
This is one of my favorite Gregorian hymns; very catchy!
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 […]