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.”
Some of our readers expressed interest in what I’m doing for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. You are welcome to download my musical outline for tomorrow, which is Sunday (21 July 2024). I’ve only been at this job a few weeks—so I don’t have a choir yet. But that will come!
Many readers watched this video, which was a iPhone recording from last Sunday of three young women singing “Soul of my Savior” arranged for three equal voices by Miss Helen Drost. People have been asking where they can get the musical score. Please know it can be instantly downloaded by clicking here.
I’m not sure whether anyone wants to peruse my musical outline for tomorrow—which is Sunday, 14 July 2024 (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B)—but if you would like to, you can download this PDF document (2 pages). I’ve only been at this job less than two weeks—after spending ten years in Los Angeles—so I […]
Mr. Ostrowski shares a ‘quick thought’ regarding the topic of the sacred liturgy.
Sometimes men—usually not women—brag publicly about how much money they make. It’s important to remember that everything (everything) comes from God, and we’ll be held responsible for every cent. Anything we currently possess is only thanks to God, Who gave us our bodies, minds, health, energy … indeed, our very existence. Only a foolish and […]
Several readers have requested the URL link to download the GREGORIAN MISSAL (Solesmes Abbey, 1989) in PDF format. All you have to do is click here. The book was professionally scanned and made available online by the Church Music Association of America on 21 January 2009.
Those who wish to do so may download the Order of Music I’m using for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (English Masses). Including plainsong in English, wonderful hymns, settings of the Ordinary in both Latin & English, and even a motet by Kevin Allen.
This Sunday I begin service at my new church in Michigan. If you’re curious about the musical lineup for the Spanish Mass, feel free to download the Order of Music I created for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. I tried to be sensitive to what the parish was doing before my arrival […]
On page 226 of the “People’s Mass Book” (1964), you’ll discover the “TOULON” melody used several times in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal, whose editorial team made it clear they had zero interest in “ginning up” a brand new hymnody tradition. Many of the melodies in the Brébeuf Hymnal were used by hundreds of Catholic hymn […]
A simplified keyboard accompaniment for pianists struggling to be organists.
We get tons of messages from readers; perhaps we should do a better job sharing them. In 2010, composer Dan Schutte published “Mass of Christ the Savior,” based upon the theme song from the My Little Pony television cartoon. Earlier today, someone under the moniker “Praying Girl” wrote as follows: “I wonder how many people […]
How well do you know hymnody? A few days ago, we recorded this really beautiful hymn as part of a Roman Catholic Spanish hymnal project we’re helping with. Can you name that tune? (We’re looking for the correct name of the melody.) If you give up—or if you want to verify your answer—click here for […]
Jennifer Urquhart wrote to us: “I’m currently involved in providing music for a non-specialist choir which will sing a TLM for the Sacred Heart. Since those propers changed in 1929, the one in the figured Liber Usualis (1924) now has the wrong texts.” Jennifer placed those propers into modern notation, which you can download as […]
Click here to listen to our 100% volunteer choir singing this famous hymn without organ. By way of comparison, you can hear the same choir sing that hymn accompanied by the pipe organ if you click here. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Please feel free to email me and tell me which you like better.
The soul-stirring hymn used on ASCENSION THURSDAY at Vespers—and also used on the Sunday which follows the Ascension—was called in the 7th century: “Jesu Nostra Redemptio.” After 1631AD, the title of that hymn was changed to “Salutis Humanae Sator.” The melody assigned by the Vatican Commission on Gregorian Chant is rather mournful (and very difficult […]
