In 1979, Monsignor Robert F. Hayburn published an important book called: “Papal Legislation on Sacred Music.”
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Was “Ordinary Time” Found in the 1962 Missal?
The answer might surprise you!
“What A Choral Conductor Must Know” • Interview with Dr. John Paul Johnson
Dr. John Paul Johnson—a frequent guest conductor at Carnegie Hall—served as a conductor-in-residence at the Trinity College of Music (London).
PDF Download • “Small Choirs Unite!”
We have a wide range of expertise: from experienced choristers (some with music degrees) to a gentleman who’d never sung in a choir in his life before joining.
When Does “Christmas” End?
“I believe (though I could be wrong) the USCCB website is correct and Jeff is wrong.” —Father J. Haley
PDF Download • “Baptism of the Lord” (Hymn)
From what I have seen, musicians tend to be the best liturgists…
Livestreams Worth the Reader’s Time
Today I introduce two very different—yet equally sublime—choral foundations.
“Prelim. Details” • Sacred Music Symposium 2025
Too many parish choirs don’t sound as nice as they could. We’re here to help!
PDF Download • Extremely Rare! —Solesmes “Graduale” acc. to the Official Rhythm (1,049 pages)
Doesn’t it stand to reason that we should sing from this edition in the manner its creators intended?
PDF Download • “Communion Chant” (Epiphany)
Fully harmonized, including fabulous (optional) verses from the New Testament.
Re: “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen
Nothing quite like singing for two (2) Apostolic nuncios!
In Memoriam • Dr. William Mahrt
A brilliant and faithful man who had tasted heaven in the chants of the Church
Tuning Your Choir Without Driving Them Mad
How to achieve outstanding intonation without making your rehearsals tedious and stressful.
Featured on FOX 47 News: “Latin Mass makes a comeback in Jackson, Michigan”
“Interest is growing intensely among the young, some traveling each Sunday from far away…”
PDF Download • “What Child Is This” (Harmonized by the Von Trapp Family Singers)
Download this book—129 pages!—free of charge as a PDF: “The Trapp Family Book of Christmas Songs.”
God’s in His Holy Place, but in which Mode?
Ideas have consequences.
Bizarre Statements From “Leaflet Missal” Founder
Imagine blaming the rise of Adolf Hitler on the Church’s immemorial use of a ‘lingua sacra’ during Mass!
PDF Download • From Cambridge: “Saint John Fisher Responsorial Psalms Collection” (253 Pages)
This 2024 collection incorporates responsorial psalms by many composers, particularly Catholic composers associated with Cambridge University.
Reader Question • “Extra Verses” for the Propers
Jeff Ostrowski answers a reader’s question with nine (9) statements.
“Source and Summit” • What Is That?
Notice how Dom Franquesa (without explanation) stealthily annihilates sacrifice, sin, and the adoration we owe God.
Rorate Caeli + ICEL + Dynamic Equivalence
There’s an old adage: “Once stung, twice shy.”
Confirmed • Fr. David Friel elected Vice-President: “Society for Catholic Liturgy”
Father Friel holds a Doctorate in Liturgical Studies from the Catholic University of America…
PDF Download • New Version of “What Child Is This” (SATB) … as of 18 December 2024
A different version was requested. I was able to complete that task earlier today.
PDF Download • “The First Nowell” in Latin — Simplified Version (2024) for Choir & Organ
If you have items you’d like to learn (such as how to make multi-track rehearsal videos) please email them to us.
PDF • “Music List” for the 3rd Sunday of Advent
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.
PDF Downloads
“2-Voice Piece” • For February 2nd
The hymn traditionally sung on the feast of the Purification.
“Entrance Chant” • 2nd Sunday (Ord. Time)
This English adaptation matches the mode of the authentic Gregorian Chant version.
Repugnant Rhymes in Hymns
This stuck out like a sore thumb.
“Music List” • Baptism of the Lord
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I prepared…
“Music List” • Feast of the Epiphany
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I prepared…
“Entrance Chant” • Feast of the Epiphany
The authentic Gregorian Chant version begins the same way “Salve, Sancta Parens” begins…