Re: “Abuse of Catholic Church Musicians”
Listening to yourself singing isn’t fun—but it’s crucial if you wish to improve.
Francisco Guerrero Composer
(Not Kidding) • Does Singing for Mass Fulfill One’s Obligation to Attend Mass?
Jeff Ostrowski provides five (5) responses to an assertion made by a priest.
PDF Download • “Glory To God” for Congregation & Choir (Mass of Saint Noël Chabanel)
My setting begins with the entire congregation singing—but the middle section is SATB polyphony.
Church Music Shouldn’t Be “Headache-Inducing”
Authentic sacred music should attract people. It should not drive them away.
PDF Download • Brief Polyphonic “Asperges Me” for SATB by Father Guerrero (d. 1599)
Here’s my attempt at recording all the voices myself, to give you a rough idea how it sounds.
“Defending the English” • Brief Riposte from Uganda
“As for the subject of whether the music of Tallis, Taverner, and Tye was tainted by the reformation, I would agree with Mr. Ostrowski.” —Reader from Uganda
“New Section 2” • (Piecemeal Agnus Dei)
A wonderful way to get volunteers singing SATB polyphony immediately!
Composing Your Own Antiphons?
In the days before Vatican II, dioceses had their own special feast days.
PDF Download • “A Canon Choirs Love!”
You will notice Father Guerrero takes the chant melody (“Beata Mater”) and creates a perfect canon between Soprano and Alto.
“Repertoire Page” • Sacred Music Symposium 2022
Sign up today! A few voice parts still have openings.
“Benedictus” (Missa Iste Sanctus) • All voices recorded by Corrinne May
Vatican II said: “The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care” (SC §114).
Missa “My Little Pony” by Dan Schutte • Its Pedigree
A USCCB statement: singing psalms at Mass “may create problems” … ?
Seven Solutions • “Getting Catholics Singing Again”
At the conservatory, we’re surrounded by hundreds of professional musicians; but stepping into a Catholic parish the situation is quite different.
“Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 3 of 3
The ability of your singers to sight-read music instantly does not guarantee a good performance.
“Part 2 of 3” • Guerrero Kyrie for Our Lady
This *might* be the most beautiful 45 seconds in music—Father Guerrero’s compositions are truly awe-inspiring!