A Classic Example of Modal Modulation
We can think of the modes and their traditional characters in a dynamic way, and it can help us to have a little more shape and direction in our singing.
Archives for November 2023
PDF Download • “Wedding March” (For The Lazy Organist)
This afternoon, it was suggested to me that I write down (“notate”) the arrangement I use.
Hymn • “Feast of Christ’s Kingship”
A wonderful text for the feast of Christ the King is: “Conquering Kings Their Titles Take.” We’re currently working on creating a professional recording. Until that’s complete, we’ve posted these preliminary versions. You might want to consider this hymn for the upcoming solemnity of Christ’s Kingship.
Report • “Musical Shape of the Liturgy Conference”
This week I attended part of an excellent academic conference in honor of William Mahrt.
“Organ Interlude” (Dom Gregory Murray)
In my humble opinion, Dom Gregory Murray (d. 1992) was a splendid composer. Here’s my attempt to perform one of his INTERLUDES on the pipe organ. I’m not a “concert organist” so I deeply appreciate any feedback—especially about registration. By the way, you can download a fantastic collection of ORGAN INTERLUDES—all 104 pages completely free […]
November Reminder • Please help!
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1950s Mandatory Military Service? Huh?
I would be very curious to know what readers think about this claim made by Patrick J. Buchanan. He says military service in the 1950s was obligatory in the United States. Is this true? Let me know your thoughts by scrolling to the bottom of this page, where an email address is provided. Patrick J. […]
“No Fourth Sunday of Advent” (EF)
In the Extraordinary Form (“Missale Vetustum”) because Christmas falls on a Monday in 2023, the Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord takes precedence over the Fourth Sunday of Advent. This usually only happens about every six years or so. I will miss the 4th Sunday of Advent, but the VIGIL Mass is also quite […]
When just 13 years old, Beethoven……
Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC) was not officially published until 1801. By that time, many hand-copied manuscripts had circulated through Europe. According to Charles Rosen: “Beethoven, at the age of 13, played the entire WTC in public.” His feat was published in the newspapers of that time. In my view, both books of the WTC—with a […]
Kevin Allen … for 500 Altar Servers!
Corpus Christi Watershed was sent this fascinating message vis-à-vis motets of Kevin Allen being sung in a Mass with 500+ altar servers present. If anyone has more information, we would love to hear more details about this event!
PDF • Draft Booklet “Couture Chant” (255 Pages)
This is very much a “work in progress”…
Dissonant Chord? • (not in context)
If you play nothing but the notes and chord highlighted by yellow in this passage from the “Haec Dies” Gradual, it’s quite ugly and dissonant. However, in the context of the stepwise descending bass-line, the LEMMENSINSTITUUT does not disappoint!