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.”
In case you missed it, many readers have enjoyed taking this little Quiz On Hymns. In the context of that article, I included a sensational quote about the Holy Mass by Monsignor Ronald Knox. Moreover, I talk about how Abraham Lincoln’s mother died, as well as a fabulous Eucharistic hymn by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
They have embraced a certain opinion about matters and will never change—not even on their deathbed.
“Reading deliberate ‘nuances’ into normal variations in handwriting is a solution in search of a problem.” —Patrick Williams
Time flies! Back in July, I posted a PDF setting of a perfect canon by William Byrd (d. 1623) arranged as an AGNUS DEI for three voices. Last Sunday, we sang that arrangement with our volunteer choir. To hear a ‘live’ recording of it, click here (Mp3). In my humble opinion, this would be a perfect […]
“Somehow, an amplified soloist drowning out everyone else is deemed ‘active participation,’ but a choir of thirty voices singing polyphony is not.” —Patrick Williams
Jeff Ostrowski provides five (5) responses to an assertion made by a priest.
In praise of the Cardine approach to chanting, with some further thoughts on pluralism and correctness in performance practice.
My Mass setting for the Ordinary Form involves your Congregation, your Cantrix, and your Choir.
Can anybody tell where Mæstro Allen is?
“Please don’t get cocky and think of your methods as somehow innately superior or universally and inarguably superior in their benefits.” —Email from a Reader
Some very quick answers to questions posed by Patrick Williams.
“I cannot imagine any justification for making such an alteration and still claiming that one’s edition corresponds to the Vaticana.” —Patrick Williams
“Here is offered choral music recommendations for all Sundays and major liturgical occasions of the church year, including selected Ritual Masses. The repertoire is submitted by CRCCM members and is offered to all musicians of liturgical churches throughout the world.”
“The ‘Lamb of God’ can reach the length of a baseball game.” —Cardinal Dolan
A month of William Byrd … in Dallas, Texas!
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been exciting, and we’re filled with hope for our apostolate’s future!
But we’re under pressure to transfer our website to a “subscription model.”
We don’t want to do that. We believe our website should remain free to all.
Our president has written the following letter:
President’s Message (dated 30 May 2025)
