Blue Heron shines the light on Ockeghem—“The best composer you’ve never heard”
“He is in every way a composer of Bach’s stature and accomplishment both technically and expressively.” ~ Scott Metcalfe
Two Choral Works and Propers for Lent
Chant-based works for Lent
Msgr. Michael F. Groden’s Contribution to Sacred Music
Quite curiously, the first full-time employee this developer and builder hired as pastor was a musician. A musician? Really? Yes.
Discouragement and Hope
Despite such a bleak picture, so many musicians remain faithful and loyal servants of the Church. This is hope.
I’ve made this an essential part of concert preparation.
I’m embarrassed to say, I feel I have only discovered this necessity recently.
Unapologetically Roman Catholic in New York City
They open the doors to people of all faiths and backgrounds. But they will celebrate the Eucharist, Adore the Blessed Sacrament, and administer the sacraments boldly out on the open for all to witness and experience.
A Requiem on All Souls Day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This work is based on the Gregorian Chants of the Requiem Mass. It was directly inspired by the Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the 2012 Sacred Music Colloquium in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Three Entrance Antiphons for the Celebration of Marriage
Free Download: Three Entrance Antiphons For the Celebration of Marriage
Saint Paul’s Choir School • New CD with AimHigher Recordings/Sony Classical
“When I introduce young minds to the beautiful heritage of Church music, it’s always amazing to see just how much they love the great music we have been given.” — John Robinson
Implement Vatican II • Pope Francis Invokes “Magisterial Authority”
The liturgical battle over celebrating Mass “ad orientem” is insignificant at this time. Far more important is reverent liturgy and the proper implementation of Vatican II.
Ministry of Consolation • A Case for Congregational Singing at Funerals
“If you, the bereaved, cannot give voice to your grief in this moment, we shall do it for you.”
“That’s not Eucharistic” • Why We Sing the Communion Antiphons
What does the Incarnation have to do with the Communion Procession? A great deal.
The “Charism” of Saying “No”
The ability to say “no” is an important gift of which much good can come, if used with wisdom, mercy, and kindness.
Culmen Et Fons 2017 • On Liturgical Formation • September 18-22
“[T]he parish has seen an astonishing increase in Mass attendance and financial stewardship owing in large part to the addition of a weekly traditional Latin Missa Cantata, use of handcrafted Roman vestments, emphasis on sacred music…”
On Emptiness, Wisdom, and Fortune • Music and Discernment
Music and Discernment
“Do not let anyone make you feel discouraged.”
Made in God’s image? Really? That’s debatable from my all too human eyes. By the way, I’ve got huge planks in both of them.
I forgot to tell them it’s supposed to be hard.
It never occurred to him that this would be hard, or that he wouldn’t do well. He just thought it would be fun.
Introit • Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity • Free Download
Free download of an Introit for Holy Trinity (Years A&B). English text; SATB, organ, schola/cantor, and congregation.
Entertainment in the Liturgy and Our True Responsibility
In the words of Kurt Cobain, “Here we are now, entertain us.” Sometimes, our jobs can feel this way. But church musicians have responsibilities that are anything but entertainment.
Pastorally Imperative: They are all we have.
To sing in prayer and with joy is pastorally imperative for they are all we have.