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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St. Matthew, St. Jane, and the End of a Liturgical Year
St. Jane de Chantal’s Prayer of Abandonment can help you make peace with a liturgical year that was not what any of us expected.
Resurgam and the Month of All Souls
Thoughts on Death from Emily Dickinson
PDF Download • Several Useful Plainsong Books
“Variae Preces” (1892) — “Cantus Varii” (1902) — “Cantus Varii” (1928) — “Cantus Selecti” (1957)
(Installment #14) “Catholic Hymnals” • Andrea Leal
I stand behind it to the extent that I have even volunteered to record several practice recordings, for which I have never received—nor will I ever receive—a single cent.
On the Dedication of Churches
Celebrating the dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul Outside the Walls
“Alma Redemptoris Mater” • Thirteen (13) Organ Accompaniments
When it comes to Gregorian harmonizations, this piece is surely the “pons asinorum.”
Let’s Bring Back the Thank-You Note
I’m a little early for Thanksgiving, but I think any church musician will appreciate this story of gratitude.
Wilbur Wright and the McCarrick Report
The importance of telling the truth.
Should Hymn Lyrics Be Inordinately Archaic?
The question of “Thee, Thy, Thou, Thine” • Speaks about whether referring to the “original version” of a hymn text makes sense • Treatment of the beautiful hymn melody called “Lafitau” and a harmonization by Claude Goudimel (d. 1572) with the melody placed into the Tenor voice+
“Homily — 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A” • Father Valentine Young, OFM
God has a special task and calling for each and every one of us.
(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…
Solemn Mass • Ruins of Saint Mary’s Cathedral (Nagasaki, 1949)
Due to government restrictions, California has been “locked down” since March, and all our Masses are celebrated outside.
Veterans Day: Remembering Those Who Made Our Music Possible
My grandparents served in World War II and helped defeat fascism. The service, faith, and prayers of people like them made it possible for us all to be church musicians today.
Catholic Artists and “Self Hatred”
Sviatoslav Richter couldn’t function—much less perform—unless he carried around his pink, plastic lobster for comfort • Have you ever become discouraged about your abilities? Have you ever felt contempt for your early artistic creations? Typos from beautiful books are included in this reflection+