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.”
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.
Michelangelo, without training and in wont of the best paints and plaster, would have struggled to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
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.
The reality in any great liturgical choir is that there is simply too much music to learn by rote.
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.
“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
What is absolutely necessary for the existence of a choral foundation?
We commend his soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
We need to break away from simply providing music for the next Sunday’s Masses.
The “Schools Singing Programme” currently serves 4,000 children each year, many from the most economically depressed areas in England…
