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.”
A reader wrote to us: “Thank you for the sample verses of Hymn #869 (Solemn Hymn to the Son of God). I found this music posted to YouTube this morning, and I’ve lost count at of the number of times I’ve replayed it and—no exaggeration!—it makes me tear up each time. This lovely hymn makes […]
“I never really understand this psalm until I entered the Franciscan Novitiate in 1942…”
Some musicologists try to make a “splash” by saying that Bach was totally forgotten when he died—remembered only as an organ virtuoso—and that his sons were more famous than he was. Such an idea is indefensible. It is true that musical styles changed in 1750AD—but this is normal. Musical styles change constantly; e.g. much of […]
Arthur Friedheim (d. 1932) has a very poor reputation as a pianist, and Liszt rejected him several times before finally accepting him as a pupil, yet the Liszt recordings he left are quite good—especially considering the transgressions by other Liszt pupils. Friedheim must have been an amazing musician; twice he was asked to become conductor […]
Examples: Non Abluunt Lymphae Deum, Rebus Creatis Nil Egens, Salve Caput Cruentatum, Sancti Venite, Victis Sibi Cognomina, Hoste Dum Victo Triumphans, and Jam Desinant Suspiria.
During World War II, Catholic churches were filled on Friday evenings for the Sorrowful Mother Novena and Benediction.
“The cemeteries are filled……”
Consilium document (“Instantibus Pluribus”) to presidents of the national liturgical commissions, on norms for translation of the Graduale Simplex, dated 23 January 1968: “The types of chant in the Graduale Simplex may be adapted to the style of music and song typical of individual peoples. But any sort of secular or profane melody is excluded.”
The “invitatory” occurs at the beginning of Matins and therefore introduces the daily divine Office.
“Often, the person who did us harm won’t even know that we’re still stewing over what they did to us; and if they knew, they might even be glad.”
But we have not spoken very much about Baroque music…
“Kids don’t remember this…”
How to avoid that sickening feeling when you realize nobody—and I mean nobody—in the congregation knows the hymn you picked!
“If worry did any good, I would advise you to do it—but it is wasted time and energy.”
Terry was forced to resign from the Cathedral in 1924, partially due to his “inconsistent approach to congregational singing at the Cathedral.”
