Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

Views from the Choir Loft

“What Is Polyphony?” • With Audio Examples

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A PROFESSOR at our conservatory always told us: An example is worth 1,000 words. I think readers will enjoy this because it uses tons of examples:

Small Example • We like to employ little ‘bits’ of polyphony wherever we can. For instance, when the “Asperges Me” repeats the 2nd time, we sing it in polyphony. My volunteer choir attempted this for the first time two days ago (see below). Several people in this recording have only been singing for a few months!

*  Mp3 Polyphony • “Asperges Me” (Guerrero)
—To download that “Asperges Me” score for free, click here.

Larger Example • We also sing unabridged polyphony. Here’s a live recording of a SANCTUS (#5454) by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599), who many consider the greatest composer ever born:

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.