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.
Articles
How to Get Better at Chant Without Opening Your Mouth
It’s a singular joy to make music, but as we all know, it’s the behind-the-scenes work that makes our rendition of the music truly special—all to the glory of God and the edification of His faithful.
This World Does Not Always Reward Virtue
Nor does this world always punish vice.
Troubleshooting Gregorian Chant
Does your chanting need a simple tune-up or a whole engine rebuild? Let’s take a look under the hood.
Singing the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Baronius Press edition is beautiful, but lacks important markings for singers.
Covid-19 • “A Word Of Encouragement”
Over these next few months, I want to try reach out to our readers.
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.
Arranging and Transcribing Our Way Through the Epidemic
I am imagining a new ensemble, built out of necessity, for the singing of polyphonic motets and even Mass ordinaries.
Returning to the Sacraments • Stories from Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Prevented from receiving Holy Communion for a time, Frassati became “consumed with Eucharistic Fire.”
The Fastest, Cheapest, Painfulest Way to Get a Voice Lesson
You know your own sound so well. You know your strengths, and what you need to work on. Why not suck it up and become your own vocal coach for a while?
“Discussion” • Father Guerrero’s 7th Mode Magnificat
Before we began recording, the participants unanimously gave permission to post online.
Are the Solesmes editions in conformity with the official edition?
Sigh … another day, another invisible “white note” to ignore!
It’s not too late to “Crown Mary”
A mother remembers the time she was chosen to “crown Mary” and describes organizing a “May Crowning” for her family during the pandemic.
Huge Announcement • The Brébeuf Virtual Choir!
The Sacred Music Symposium is bearing fruits none of its organizers—myself included—could have imagined. Laus Deo!
Reopening our Churches – Encouragement – Resources
As churches are working towards reopening, it is also no small change for many to concede congregational singing and choirs of any size. So many musicians have already sacrificed so much, spiritually, artistically, and economically.
“Jesu Nostra Redemptio” • Ancient Hymn for the Ascension translated into English!
Did you know every Mass is a celebration of our Lord’s Ascension? — Here’s proof.
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.
New Harmonies! • “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King”
It’s hard to believe, but Father Knauff’s “Christ the King Hymnal for Congregational Singing” (1954) omitted this hymn!
What to Do When Music Creeps Into Your Prayer
Music is a language, but it does not supplant our own. Rather, it enlivens our words so that they can penetrate the soul with the fullness of their meaning—and enlighten our eyes in any circumstance.
Returning to the Sacraments • “Breathe Easter Now” (Hopkins)
Words of Hope from Gerard Manley Hopkins