Including the “music list” I have prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass.
Main Content
PDF • “Standard Gregorian Chants for Schools, Churches, Seminaries, & Convents” (1946) —123 pages
Until a few days ago, I knew nothing of this (extremely rare) book. Now it’s been scanned and uploaded—free to all.
The “Word of the Father” Chord: Theology and Harmony Meet at Christmas
It is fitting that the most exquisite chord in Adeste Fideles coincides with the most profound line of theology.
Crucial Tips • “Teaching Children How to Sing”
When it comes to the children, I help them memorize each word…
Soloists in Gregorian Chant?
An “ensemble of soloists” will never sound the same as a true choir.
“Alma Redemptóris Mater” • Everything There Is To Know About This Marian Antiphon
Including a new harmonization for the pipe organ.
(5 Dec. 2025) • Pope Leo XIV Speaks on Liturgical Music
“In the liturgy, in particular, singing is never a ‘soundtrack’, a simple backdrop, but is intended to lift the soul…” —Pope Leo XIV
PDF Downloads • 5 Simple Palestrina Pieces
A collection of Palestrina works that are not only stunningly beautiful but also surprisingly accessible.
Dr. Alfred Calabrese • “My Invitation To You”
EWTN will broadcast the Mass later on that same evening.
PDF Download • Agnus Dei Polyphonic “Choral Extension” (Simple Round by Ravenscroft)
It’s hard to banish that round once it enters your ears!
“Sacred Music Pilgrimage to Italy” with Grace Feltoe
Including a tour of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music with Father Robert Mehlhart, OP.
Kid’s Repertoire • “Jeffrey’s 3 Recommendations”
Growing up, I remember hearing this adage…
A Quote Worth Reading
From a mother of 11 children whose brother-in-law is a Catholic priest.
PDF Download • ‘Choral Extension’ for the Sanctus (especially useful in the Ordinary Form)
It’d be easier to accept if they admitted they were explicitly contradicting Vatican II … but instead, they lied egregiously.
Kid’s Repertoire • 3 Recommendations (Mark Haas)
“My children’s choir absolutely loves this piece.”
Veni Emmanuel: An Argument for the Anglican Rhythm
The bells ring, the opening hymn rises from the organ, and you hear that haunting melody every Catholic recognizes: O come, O come, Emmanuel.
PDF Download • “Hymn for Christ the King”
“Catholic parishes are slow to change their habits. They still sing what the oldest members learned at school.” —Evelyn Waugh
PDF Download • “Pope Pius XII Psalter” — English, Latin, and Commentary (532 pages)
I know of no greater commentary on the psalms. Its author—an erudite Dominican priest—founded the famous “Homiletic and Pastoral Review.”
Re: The People’s Mass Book (1974)
“A Man Can Kill With a Gun, a Bomb, or a Lance…”
They did a terrible thing
When the windows were opened, men like Father Franquesa found cracks to do terrible things to sacred music.
What surprised me about regularly singing the Gloria in Latin
“A chorus of groans erupted: ‘Mr. Haaaaaasssss, whyyyy?'”
PDF Download • “Music List” for 9 November
Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.
Exclusive Interview • Hannah Houston w/ Mæstro Richard J. Clark
Richard J. Clark interviews Hannah Houston Re: the “Simply Liturgical” website.
“Reader Feedback” • 5 November 2025
“Although I don’t have much to offer, I want to be able to offer something for the great work you do!”
Never Work For A Priest Or Bishop Who Believes Sacred Music Should Be “Entertainment”
Unsolicited advice for prospective choir directors.
PDF Downloads
PDF • “Music List” (Xmas Midnight Mass)
Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass.
What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”
This topic I had believed to be fairly well understood—but I was wrong.
PDF • “Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent)
Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”
A brief, bright, stately setting.
PDF • Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 Dec.)
Why should that feast overpower Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Simplified Accompaniment (Advent Hymn)
Simplified keyboard accompaniment for “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (Advent hymn).