“Six Suggestions” • Working with Volunteer Choirs
One priest on this committee said something I’ll never forget…
Archives for June 2023
“Counter-Melody” for a Hymn Tune…
Jeff Ostrowski has added a “counter-melody” to CUPERTINO, a hymn tune composed by Kevin Allen. You can download the Organist Score (PDF), which doubles as the vocalist score. You can also hear Jeff’s volunteer choir sing that “counter-melody” version in real life by clicking here.
Some Thoughts on Gregorian Modal Ethos
You should memorize this list.
“The Use of Plainsong in Heretical Worship” • (Letter by Dom Gregory Murray)
“Unless Catholic musicians (especially priests) are careful, they may easily encourage non-Catholics in the belief that the differences between Catholics and non-Catholics are of minor importance.” —Dom Murray
Gregorian Rhythm Wars • Video: “Introduction to Mensuralism” (28 June 2023)
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video has to be worth at least 1.8 million words.” —Dr. James McQuivey
CRCCM Repertoire Project Released!
The Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians (CRCCM) has just launched a remarkable free resource offering recommendations of choral music, antiphons, propers, and more for all Sundays of the liturgical calendar, solemnities, and Ritual Masses.
PDF Download • Extremely Rare! • “Liber Cantus Gregoriani” (1950) — 1,864 pages!
Church musicians ought not proceed in a frenzied, panic-stricken manner.
“We’re In Financial Trouble!” • (June 2023)
We must avoid placing our website behind a paywall.
Easter Sequence • “Both English and Latin”
Earlier this afternoon, I created an organ harmonization for the EASTER SUNDAY SEQUENCE: Víctimæ Pascháli Laudes in English and Latin. The rhythm conforms to the pure (“untouched”) Vatican Edition, like what you’d find in editions by Schwann, Monsignor Nekes, Max Springer of Beuron, and Peter Wagner (Commissionis Pontificiæ Gregorianæ Membrum). The beautiful and highly accurate […]
Theological…
The 330-page booklet for Sacred Music Symposium contains more than just fabulous and inspiring music. Little theological ‘tidbits’ cover its pages. For example, consider Page 265. You can download a PDF copy of the entire booklet at the Symposium website.
“Text-Informed Performance Practice in Chant”
“The older responsorial method is more in accord with a right understanding of this text.” —Patrick Williams
Richard J. Clark’s “Salve Regina”
“Thanks, Richard, for another accessible and mellifluous motet!” —Chris Mueller
Updates on the Liturgy of the Hours
The exciting re-translation project for the Liturgy of the Hours continues! This article will get you up to speed.
A Message For You! • (From Natalia Ferreiro)
Exciting news for the sacred music world—regarding something important starting next week.
“Please Share On Social Media” • Thank you!
For immediate release…