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.”
Are you an inexperienced organist? Were you formally a pianist? I invite you to download this simplified organ accompaniment for hymn #124 in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal. I’m toying with the idea of creating a whole bunch of these, to benefit amateur organists. What is your opinion of such a project? Let me […]
A gorgeous, luscious, contemporary setting by Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965).
“They are the relics of the love of God which alone triumphs in the death of martyrs,” exclaimed Father Ragueneau.
Jean Calvin (d. 1564) famously detested sacred music. Ironically, Jonathan Bading—a convert from Calvinism!—has become one of the Church’s “leading lights” when it comes to authentic church music.
Found in a special choral collection by Maria von Trapp.
It even sounds great with four (4) singers: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass!
Pope Francis said famously: “To dialogue entails a cordial reception, not a prior condemnation.” The following brief utterances of mine are offered in that spirit. Pope Saint Pius X called the sacred liturgy “the primary and indispensable source of the true Christian spirit.” If the reformers had told the fathers of Vatican II they desired […]
Also included: the day my life changed forever.
Writing excellent music is easier in four voices than three. We often sing from MATRI DIVINAE GRATIAE, a 3-voice collection by Kevin Allen for Soprano, Alto, and Bass. Someone made a recording of my volunteer choir singing “Si Ambulávero” (from that collection). This “raw recording” starts toward the end of the psalm tone then launches […]
Bishop Ambo’s assertion that Mass was attended—for centuries—by a single woman (and nobody else) is bizarre.
A thoughtful priest from another country wrote me a magnificent message praising a PDF comparison chart I recently posted. It deals with “staffless” CARMEN GREGORIANUM (Gregorian Chant). Download it for free by scrolling to the bottom of this article. Of course, I hope you will read the article instead of just scrolling past it.
Where “Parce Dómine” (the famous song for Lent) came from.
As we approach the holy season of Lent, the prayers and readings become more lengthy. When we arrive at Easter, the prayers and readings will become extremely brief. As we get closer to Lent, some of the music becomes quite somber. I can’t think of a more somber piece than the INTROIT for Sexagesima Sunday. […]
The word 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 can mean “not punctual” or “dead.”
Should Mass be in Latin or English? Or should it be a mixture?
