Solmization from the Inside: Part 2
What can medieval and renaissance music pedagogy offer to us now?
Archives for September 2022
PDF Download • SATB “Alleluia” by J.S. Bach
This short piece shimmers with beauty. The arrangement is by Monsignor René Moissenet.
“What Is Polyphony?” • With Audio Examples
A professor at our conservatory always told us: “An example is worth 1,000 words.”
Say “Hello” to the Villain Who Lied About You
Fulton J. Sheen told a story about a man who bumped into Abraham Lincoln yelling: “Get out of my way, you big ugly lummox!”
“North American Martyrs” • Stained Glass Window
Their feast is on Monday (in Canada and the EF)!
“Nobody Cares About This” • (Except Me!)
I’ve attempted to create a recording for this coming Sunday according to the official rhythm…
Saint Brigid’s School • New Choir School for the Cathedral of Saint Mary (San Francisco)
Thirty years ago most pastors would not have been open to inaugurating good sacred music programs in their parishes, but times have changed.
Why Text Only?
Why do hymns in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal give so many optional “text only” versions of the hymns? It’s easier to demonstrate than explain. Consider Hymn #24, which allows the director to choose a wonderful melody and easily apply it to the text. Hymnal editors knew about the value of “text only” versions […]
“My Reflections” • Re: 2022 Symposium Keynote
“I ended up spending hours, transcribing each and every word from Father Fryar’s Symposium lecture. Although it took many hours, I relished the process.” —Corrinne May
PDF Download • Brief Polyphonic “Asperges Me” for SATB by Father Guerrero (d. 1599)
Here’s my attempt at recording all the voices myself, to give you a rough idea how it sounds.
Official USCCB Synod Document: “The Limited Access to the 1962 Missal Was Lamented…”
In this official document, we find a remarkable statement!
“Choral Eavesdropping” • 15 Sept. 2022
If you enjoy eavesdropping, here’s a rehearsal excerpt (mp3) of my volunteers singing the exercise I posted last week. This is the second time we’ve used it, and I can definitely hear improvement. You can download this choral warm-up for free.
“An Irish Hymnal?” • 126 Pages (English and Gaelic)
I find this hymn quite beautiful—and singers love it!
Adding More Spaces around Bar Lines in Gregorio
Some useful tips on adjusting the spacing in Gregorio scores.
“Did Bishop Burbidge Violate Canon 932 in Order to Punish His Flock?”
“Holy Trinity is where Josh came into the Church, went through RCIA, and was married…”