“Must Hymns Always Rhyme?” • (With Examples)
Non-rhyming hymns are certainly a strong temptation since they’re so much easier to compose.
“Slander!” • (Response to an Accusation)
A reader sent us an email which was both thoughtful and articulate. Feeling it deserved a response, I published this article a few days ago. I included the full letter sent to us by the reader, but that’s not all. Indeed, the article became rather lengthy and touched upon a number of different themes. I […]
Palestrina Would Not Recognize This! • (Plus: Hopeful Signs)
On 21 September 2023, composers Dan Schutte, Roc O’Connor, and Bob Dufford stood in the Sanctuary of Old St. Patrick’s Church…
Interesting story about Sergei Rachmaninoff
It’s very brief, but I think you would enjoy hearing Benno Moiseiwitsch (d. 1963) tell this really cool story about Sergei Rachmaninoff (d. 1943). Moiseiwitsch, whose playing was admired by Josef Hofmann, had studied with Theodor Leschetizky (d. 1915). I opened my recent article by speaking of a powerful quote Rachmaninoff gave to Robert Croan, […]
[Quiz] • “Do You Know Your Hymns?”
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.
Eight (8) Responsorial Psalm Options • On turning Missalettes into little “gods”
They have embraced a certain opinion about matters and will never change—not even on their deathbed.
William Byrd • Simple “Agnus Dei” Canon
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 […]
(Not Kidding) • Does Singing for Mass Fulfill One’s Obligation to Attend Mass?
Jeff Ostrowski provides five (5) responses to an assertion made by a priest.
PDF Download • All Seven (7) Movements: “Mass in Honor of Saint Noël Chabanel”
My Mass setting for the Ordinary Form involves your Congregation, your Cantrix, and your Choir.
“Slander!” • (Response to an Accusation We Received)
“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
“Everybody Loves Raymond” Actress Responds to Cardinal Dolan
“The ‘Lamb of God’ can reach the length of a baseball game.” —Cardinal Dolan
“Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)
I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” […]
PDF Download • “Glory To God” for Congregation & Choir (Mass of Saint Noël Chabanel)
My setting begins with the entire congregation singing—but the middle section is SATB polyphony.
Gregorian Chant Introit • (Sung According to the Official Rhythm of the Catholic Church)
This coming Sunday is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost (EF).
(Quiz) • “How Well Do You Know Your Hymns?”
Including a tip on preventing choirs from ‘sinking’ the pitch lower and lower.