Views from the Choir Loft

New Edition of Chabanel Responsorial Psalms • Edition: 12 May 2014 — Organist & Vocalist

HE NEW EDITIONS of the Chabanel Psalms include Holy Days, like the Presentation (2 Feb), Transfiguration (6 Aug), Ss. Peter & Paul (29 June), and many more!

Save money with this Lulu Coupon—but notice the expiration date.

ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENTS :

* * PDF Download (401 pages)

* * Buy Spiral Bound (401-pages) $25.99

VOCALIST :

* * PDF Download (206 pages)

* * Buy Perfect Bound (206-pages) $12.99

If you’re terrified of the ordering process, click here.

These new editions (12 May 2014) correspond to the St. Isaac Jogues Illuminated Missal, Lectionary, & Gradual, but are virtually identical to Responsorial Psalms found in the Vatican II Hymnal, except the following:

— 1st Sunday of Advent, Year A
— 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C
— Ascension of the Lord, Years ABC
— 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
— 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Option 2)
— Christ the King Sunday, Year C
— Nativity of St. John the Baptist (24 June), Years ABC
— All Saints (1 November), Years ABC
— Immaculate Conception (8 December), Years ABC
— Catholic Weddings (Nuptial Mass)
— Catholic Funerals (Requiem Mass)
— Sacrament of Confirmation (Ritual Mass)

Organists will love the total lack of page turns and appreciate the various transpositions included. Choirmasters will be happy each vocalist score fits on one (1) page, so xerox copies can be made easily if needed.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski