Inspiration for Organ Improvisation
Organ improvisation is on the mind of many organists these days as they cope in the absence of choirs and other musicians.
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(Installment #13) “Catholic Hymnals” • Lucas Tappan
We can sometimes be so caught up in advancing Gregorian chant that we fail to remember that every single age in the history of the Catholic Church has seen forms of popular religious music…
Obsequies for Msgr. Georg Ratzinger (1924-2020)
I doubt the Divine Office in the vernacular could have been more beautifully sung.
Six Points • The Church and Patronage of the Arts
If we want great artists, we must have places to train them in the best of the tradition and be able to crown their studies with a deeply imbued Catholic ethos.
The Art of Improvisation
In all my life I don’t think I have ever heard it mentioned that the art of improvisation, done well, ranks alongside the greatest works of Palestrina or Mozart.
Broadcasting Holy Mass During Covidtide
The most problematic genre for use in broadcasting is the English setting of the Mass Ordinary since all of the major settings are currently under copyright.
Of Shepherds and Sheep
This image of Christ as the Good Shepherd constitutes the supreme model for all pastors, clerical or (in a broader and unordained sense) lay—anyone leading others into the Sheepfold of the Church. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the various nuances of pastor, or shepherd.
How Do the Greats Approach the Science of Choral Conducting?
Michelangelo, without training and in wont of the best paints and plaster, would have struggled to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
What Makes a Great Conductor?
At the heart of the great conductor is one who is born in wonder, one who stands in awe and amazement of heaven’s divine gift of music.
Audiation for Choristers
The reality in any great liturgical choir is that there is simply too much music to learn by rote.
The Overtone Series (Truly) Explained
While other musical scales and musical traditions find their origin in the overtone series, only western civilization has developed nature’s original gift into one of the world’s great achievements: Western music.
Repeating Repertoire? • Dr. Tappan
“The tunes and ditties of the radio will be meaningless in the magnitude of one’s final moments; only the psalms can bear the weight of the moment.” —Barry Rose
The Institution as Formator (Part II)
Once we realize how high that standard for accepting a chorister is, it becomes easier to understand the boy’s rapid musical progress in the choir.
Vaughan Williams’ Sage Advice for Those Appointing Martin Baker’s Successor
A comment on the importance of the role of director of music a Westminster Cathedral, following the resignation of Martin Baker, offered by Gregory Treloar.
Incredible Opportunity In Kansas City
Educators who seek to shape students in both wisdom and virtue, and who share the belief that music and aesthetics play an integral part in the content of a Catholic liberal arts education should apply.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School: Update
Jeff’s recent post made me think that perhaps a recap of all the events so far at Westminster Cathedral would be helpful to readers.
The Institution as Formator (Part I)
Everyone is searching for a silver bullet. Perhaps it’s a certain education method, a special book or a technique. Standing somewhat in opposition to all of these various techniques and methods is the English choir school, where the director stands in front of the boys and says “that’s an A, now sing it!”
Here is Where We Go
What is absolutely necessary for the existence of a choral foundation?
Colin Mawby (1936-2019)
We commend his soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
Where do we go from here?
We need to break away from simply providing music for the next Sunday’s Masses.
If You Want to Catch All the Youth
The “Schools Singing Programme” currently serves 4,000 children each year, many from the most economically depressed areas in England…
A Professional Choir in Six (6) Years
Support was key, but once Glenn had the necessary vision and support, the rest was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.
A Professional Choir in Six Months
I often wonder if some of the vitriol directed against the Church’s music is due to its less than stellar presentation.
A *What* School ?!!
These are things a choir director needs to think about as he plans to build a successful choral foundation at his own cathedral or parish.
So… You Can’t Visit a Choir School
Choir Schools would help to fill our parishes with congregations and choir members who would expect real sacred music sung to a high degree…