Those Pesky Letters of Complaint
As surely as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, someone will be unhappy. Displeasure does not discriminate.
The Frontier of Liturgical Composition
The frontier of composition is clearly producing new settings of the propers in the vernacular, useful for a typical parish.
New Organ Work • Madonna & Child
It took me—the composer—to realize this is really a work about mother and child.
Two Concerts • Two Milestones • 101-rank E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 801
2016 marks two milestones: the 140th Anniversary of the Dedication of the E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings, Opus 801 and the thirtieth anniversary of Leo Abbott’s tenure as Cathedral Music Director in Boston
“Insidious Form” of Clericalism? A Jesuit Speaks Out
“The presider claims a form of privilege to change things that do not belong to him…”
A Model of Sacred Music at Priest’s First Mass
What music does a newly ordained priest, who currently plays the drums in a jazz band, choose for his first Mass? A priest who also has a degree from the Hartt School of Music in Music Production and Technology? The answer will surprise you.
Composing Saves My Life
By shear will I chip away at the wretched dumpster fire of incongruence on the page. Then a purpose languidly surfaces with each revised note: Composing is a form of prayer.
Working With People With Whom One Disagrees
One’s ability to work effectively with someone else does not actually rely very much on how much one agrees with the other. Why? It comes down to three things.
Children’s Choir in a Typical Suburban Parish? Endless Possibilities!
Children who sing today will be the foundation of our Church in the future.
Musician • Center of Attention or Servant?
Applause from a congregation for musicians, or musicians that impede congregational singing for the sake of personal artistry, are but symptoms. The church musician has been misidentified as a separate entity—a showpiece—and not properly identified as a servant of the liturgy, a servant of God, a servant of the people.
I Claim You for Christ
“One of the most emotional experiences of my life was during the baptism of my second child. The words hit me like a ton of bricks…time froze, and I was bowled over in my heart…”
O Happy Fault • Nine things that are pure privilege
Such a reference to original sin—a positive reference—seems quite strange to us.
Sequence During the Octave of Easter
Singing the sequence, “Victimae Paschali Laudes” is truly appropriate every day this week.
As the Tension Grows
As Holy Week approaches, the tension is palpable.
When the Liturgy Astounds • The Fire of Divine Love
I found these words to be jaw dropping—utterly astounding.