LEASE SHARE this news with your pastor, friends, and director of music! A sacred music symposium will take place in Los Angeles at the end of May. This is your chance to learn from Dr. Horst Buchholz, Dr. Alfred Calabrese, and others. Included will be an EF Solemn Mass, during which participants will sing movements from a sensational Mass setting by Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599), one of Spain’s greatest composers. The Symposium will conclude with Benediction led by Archbishop Gomez.
* * SACRED MUSIC SYMPOSIUM (PDF) • JPEG
But there’s more to it than having fun. We will give music directors the tools they need to implement authentic sacred music in their parishes. Have you ever stood in front of a choir feeling helpless? Do you feel intimidated by Gregorian chant and polyphony—believing you don’t know where to begin? You should attend this symposium. Space is limited, but if enough interest is shown, we hope to make this an annual event.
From the 2016 Symposium : Testimonials
Please email dom.mocquereau@gmail.com with any questions or to reserve your spot. Don’t forget to include your phone number, because some questions are better handled with a personal touch!
Full schedule has been posted: HERE
Repertoire list has been posted: HERE
Rehearsal videos for all music will be provided in advance of the symposium for singers who might be nervous to sing under the baton of famous conductors.
TESTIMONIAL :
S AN AMATEUR MUSICIAN and music director of a small Schola Cantorum in Nevada, this Symposium is exactly what I need. It will help me develop practical knowledge as a music director and give me further resources for expanding our repertoire. Watershed has been my go-to resource from the time our Mass was Novus Ordo in Latin. Our Mass is now a weekly Sunday morning Extraordinary Form High Mass, and we have been able to rise up to the challenge precisely because of the resources Watershed has given us. I am unbelievably grateful for all the music and knowledge that has been freely imparted until now, and I am very excited about attending the Symposium. I am sure it will bring our Schola to the next level. May God continue to bless Watershed and may He also abundantly bless the Symposium and all those who are working to organize this wonderful and much-needed event.
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW :
• Symposium begins at 6:00pm on SATURDAY (28 May 2016)
Note: Required rehearsals do not begin until SUNDAY (29 May 2016).
• Symposium concludes on TUESDAY EVENING (31 May 2016)
• Conference fee: $135 (includes catered lunches)
• Final day includes singing for a Solemn Mass offered by Fr. GERARD SAGUTO, FSSP District Superior (USA)
• Discounted rates available at the RAMADA HOTEL (five minutes away by foot)
PRESS RELEASE :
A SACRED MUSIC SYMPOSIUM will be held in Los Angeles from May 28-31, sponsored by FSSP.la (the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter’s Apostolate in Los Angeles). The Symposium is especially designed for music directors and singers who wish to introduce the glorious treasury of Gregorian chant and polyphony to their parish, but are unsure how to begin.
The Symposium is a unique opportunity to get resources and practical advice from experienced choirmasters, conductors, composers and organists, while learning polyphony and plainsong from Dr. Horst Buchholz (Choirmaster of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri) and Dr. Alfred Calabrese (Choirmaster of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas). The Symposium will culminate in an Extraordinary Form Solemn Mass, in which participants will sing movements from a Mass setting by Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599), one of Spain’s greatest composers.
The fee for the Symposium is just $135. To register, visit CCWATERSHED.ORG/SYMPOSIUM where full details of the planned events are listed.
This symposium is being sponsored by FSSP.la.
WE HAD ONLY TWO goals for the Sacred Music Symposium, which concluded last week here in Los Angeles:
(1) Give music directors valuable advice and useful techniques to use with amateur choirs.
(2) Make sure the ceremonies on Tuesday evening were executed with perfection.
Both these goals were accomplished beyond our wildest dreams. The conductors—Dr. Calabrese & Dr. Buchholz—were utterly amazing.
It was never our objective to record high quality audio from the Symposium. Capturing excellent audio is quite a difficult task—it’s not just a matter of pulling out your iPhone! Each participant who attended knows how beautiful the music came out, and no microphone could ever capture the sounds properly. At various times, the hair on my arms stood up because of the utter beauty of the music.
The people who attended the Symposium—all of them without exception—were magnificent, generous, and inspiring.
THE FOLLOWING RECORDINGS don’t do justice to what took place. Indeed, several microphones were placed in the wrong spot, so only certain sections could be heard. All I can do is repeat: it was never one of our goals to capture professional audio.
Let’s start with a clip was recorded at the front of Church. The “chink chink” sound is the priest incensing the Altar:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Kyrie Eleison” (Guerrero)
The next clip begins with SATB, then an organ improvisation, then the choir singing in unison:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Come Holy Ghost”
The next clip has the choir singing unaccompanied plainsong:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Plainsong Without Accompaniment”
The next clip has an excerpt by a modern composer. Again, the sound you hear is the celebrant incensing the Altar:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Ave Maris Stella” (Lhoumeau)
Here’s some really thick counterpoint in five voices, including a perfect canon between Soprano and Tenor:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Five-Voice Agnus” (Guerrero)
Here’s a mixture of plainsong with ancient fauxbourdon:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Veni Creator” (Fauxbourdon)
Here’s where the ladies sing psalmody accompanied by the organ, which pierces the heart with a dark beauty. You can hear the priest quietly reciting the Communion antiphon:
* * Mp3 Audio • Communion Psalmody
Here’s a modern piece accompanied by organ. The loud sound you hear is 500 people sitting down, because the people sit down when the priest does:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Gloria In Excelsis” (Mercier)
Here’s more accompanied plainsong, and it’s hard for me to understand why some people don’t appreciate accompanied plainsong when I hear how nicely this came out:
* * Mp3 Audio • “Plainsong With Accompaniment”
Finally, here’s an example of a soprano descant:
HERE ARE SOME iPhone clips, but the quality is very low:
* * iPhone Clip • “First Rehearsal”
* * iPhone Clip • “Church Rehearsal”
* * iPhone Clip • “Ramada Rehearsal”
* * iPhone Clip • “Attendance In Church”
* * iPhone Clip • “Gloria Rehearsal”
HIS YEAR’S Sacred Music Symposium (sponsored by FSSP.la) included a Solemn Mass offered by Very Rev. Gerard Saguto, FSSP. A lovely photo gallery was recently made public, and we thought you’d enjoy samples:
Mr. Ron Lawson has also posted a gallery, and here are samples:
Mr. Lawson seemed particularly impressed by the vestments:
Several participants were so focused, they were spotted rehearsing during lunch breaks:
Julia Garcia contributed to this blog post.
Below is the official repertoire list for Sacred Music Symposium 2016, to be held in Los Angeles. Special booklets containing all the music will be provided to each participant.
Please invite your friends & family to attend the events below! The music will be marvelous, and the ceremonies will be carried out with great reverence. If possible, wear formal dress.
SOLEMN MASS • Fr. Saguto (FSSP District Superior)
31 May — 4:30pm • St. Victor Church in Hollywood (Los Angeles)
ORGAN PROCESSIONAL
Organist: Meaghan King120. INTROIT • “Gaudeamus” • Score
Sung without organ accompaniment by men only
Conductor: Jeff OstrowskiTo access the rehearsal files, go HERE and scroll down to 31 May.
KYRIE • Guerrero “Beata Mater” (SATB)
125. KYRIE 1a & 1c: Polyphony
KYRIE 1b: Plainsong (Mass IV)
130. CHRISTE 2a & 2c: Polyphony
CHRISTE 2b: Plainsong (Mass IV)
135. KYRIE 3a & 3c: Polyphony
KYRIE 3b: Plainsong (Mass IV)
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3347, #3661, and #3579.
140. GLORIA
“Canonic Gloria” (Mercier) • Score
Organist: Meaghan King
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3610.
145. GRADUAL & ALLELUIA
The verses (Score) are sung to psalm tones by the Ladies
Then the entire choir sings (both times) this polyphony by Guerrero
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3524.
147. ORGAN IMPROVISATION
This will follow the Alleluia, until the Deacon is ready
Organist: Dr. Buchholz150. ORGAN IMPROVISATION • As Fr. Saguto walks to pulpit
Celebrant removes his Maniple and processes to the pulpit.
Organist: Dr. Buchholz155. CREDO IV
Plainsong Version by Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965) • Score
Organist: Meaghan King
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3445.
160. OFFERTORY ANTIPHON
“Regáli ex Progénie” • Score
Sung by ladies without accompaniment
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal files, go HERE and scroll down to 31 May.
165. OFFERTORY POLYPHONY
Lhoumeau “Ave Maris Stella” • Score
Chosen soloists will sing the verses
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #4669.
170. SANCTUS & HOSANNA
Guerrero “Beata Mater” (SATB) • Score
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3496.
175. BENEDICTUS & HOSANNA
Guerrero “Beata Mater” • Score
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #2999.
180. AGNUS DEI
Guerrero “Beata Mater” • Score
Altos must learn both lines (Alto I and Alto II).
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3379.
Organist goes downstairs after the “Agnus” and receives Communion before anyone else.
195. COMMUNION POLYPHONY
Francisco Guerrero: “Hymn to the Trinity” • Score
Fifth Verse (“5b”) omitted if rehearsal time is insufficient.
Tenors must learn both lines (Tenor & Quintus) for “5b.”
Third Verse (“3b”)—from the appendix section—can be added if time allows.
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos (but not for “3b” from Appendix), go HERE and locate #3473.
200. COMMUNION ORGAN MUSIC
Organist: Meaghan King185. COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Sung at the end of Communion (after the choir has received) close to when the priest says the Antiphon.
“Regina mundi” with organ accompaniment • Vocal Score
Antiphon is sung by the Men, conducted by Jeff Ostrowski
Psalm verses sung by Ladies, conducted by Dr. Calabrese
Organist: Meaghan KingTo access the rehearsal files, go HERE and scroll down to 31 May.
205. ITE MISSA EST
From Mass IX • Score210. RECESSIONAL • “Rustington”
“Prayer to the Mother of Christ” — RUSTINGTON • Score
Organist: Meaghan King
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3109.
215. ORGAN POSTLUDE
Organist: Meaghan King
Then follows Confirmation & Benediction:
CONFIRMATION & BENEDICTION • Archbishop Gomez
31 May — 7:00pm • St. Victor Church in Hollywood (Los Angeles)
300. ENTRANCE HYMN • “Come, Holy Ghost” (SATB)
Organist: Dr. Buchholz • Score
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #2876.
The procession is formed. At the door of the church the Archbishop is presented with the aspergillium of Holy Water, he sprinkles himself and the ministers. All process to the sanctuary. The Archbishop loses the crozier and miter, all reverence the altar with a genuflection, and then all kneel for the Veni Creator.
305. VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS • w/ Fauxbourdon
The bishop may intone this. • Score
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #2953.
After the Veni Creator all rise. The Archbishop receives the miter and crozier and gives the sermon from the pulpit, or he may also do so seated on the faldstool. After the sermon the Archbishop loses the crozier but retains the miter, sits on the faldstool and the acolytes approach and wash his hands. The Archbishop loses the miter, stands facing the confirmandi (who are kneeling) and with folded hands says or sings:
308. PRAYERS WITH RESPONSES • Musical Score
Conductor (if sung): Jeff OstrowskiThe Archbishop then sits, and receives the miter and the crozier. The assistant priests (AP) place the gremial over the Archbishop’s lap. The candidates come and kneel before him one by one, with their sponsor standing behind. AP1 will present a card with the confirmation name of the candidate, acolytes hold the chrism. While the confirmations are taking place, the choir is singing:
310. HYMN TO THE TRINITY (Guerrero)
See above for scores and practice videos.
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseAfter all the candidates have been confirmed, the Archbishop loses the crozier, the AP1 receives the Archbishop’s ring, places it on a tray, and the acolytes present the Archbishop with a tray of lemons and bread pieces to cleanse his hands, followed by the hand washing with the ewer and basin. While the hand washing is taking place, the choir is singing:
315. CONFIRMA HOC DEUS
Here’s the Written-out Score for the singers.
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseHaving completed the hand washing, the assistant priest returns the ring. The gremial and miter are removed. The Archbishop stands, turns to face the altar and recites or sings the following with folded hands:
317. Versicles & Orations • Written-out Score
Conductor (if sung): Jeff OstrowskiThe Archbishop then sits and receives the miter. The PONTIFICALE here suggests that the Archbishop say a few words of exhortation to the sponsors of the confirmati, and then he recites the Creed, the Our Father and the Hail Mary (in English) with the confirmati. (This is optional) The Archbishop stands, receives the crozier, and accompanied by the assistant priests, MC1 and the bearers, retires to the throne. Altar servers prepare the altar for benediction.
320. ORGAN IMPROVISATION
Length is between 30 seconds and 4 minutes.
Organist: Dr. BuchholzThe Archbishop and ministers proceed to the foot of the altar. The Archbishop loses crozier and miter, all reverence the altar with a genuflection. The assistant priest takes the Blessed Sacrament out of the tabernacle and places the host in the monstrance. All kneel when the tabernacle door is opened, and the MC removes the Archbishop’s skull cap, giving it to the miter bearer. The choir intones the O Salutaris Hostia:
325. O SALUTARIS HOSTIA • Score
Duguet Version from the Campion Hymnal.
Conductor: Dr. Calabrese
Organist: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3086.
The Archbishop incenses the Sanctissimum with three double swings while the “O Salutaris” is sung. The choir sings a hymn to Our Lady after the O Salutaris:
330. AVE MARIS STELLA (Lhoumeau)
See above for scores and practice videos.
Conductor: Dr. BuchholzAfter the hymn to Our Lady the Archbishop leads the recital of the Litany of the Holy Ghost in English. Following the Litany is two minutes of silence. Then the choir intones and sings the Tantum Ergo.
335. TANTUM ERGO
Singer Score • Organist Score
Conductor: Dr. Calabrese
Organist: Dr. BuchholzIncense is imposed like the first time, and the Blessed Sacrament is incensed. The Archbishop chants the concluding prayer of the Tantum Ergo:
340. CONCLUDING PRAYER
…which always follows the “Tantum Ergo” (see score above)
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseThe Archbishop then kneels and receives the humeral veil. He stands and the assistant priest accompanies him to the footpace of the altar and hands the monstrance to the Archbishop. The Archbishop blesses the congregation with three signs of the cross, beginning with the far left, then center, then right. He returns the monstrance to the assistant priest who places the monstrance on the altar, all genuflect and return to the kneeler at the altar step. The Archbishop loses the humeral veil. Archbishop recites the Divine Praises in English. After the Divine Praises, the assistant priest reposes the Blessed Sacrament into the tabernacle while the choir chants this versicle (WHICH MUST BEGIN WITHOUT DELAY):
345. ADOREMUS IN AETERNUM
Francisco Guerrrero • Score
Conductor: Dr. CalabreseTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #2978.
When the tabernacle door is closed, all stand, and the MC returns the skull cap to the Archbishop. The recessional is sung, and all process back to the sacristy.
400. RECESSIONAL HYMN • “Hail, Holy Queen”
“Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above” • Score
Conductor: Dr. Calabrese
Organist: Dr. BuchholzTo access the rehearsal videos, go HERE and locate #3175.
405. POSTLUDE
Organist: Dr. Buchholz
Immediately afterward, there will be a Catered Buffet Dinner.
APPENDIX :
530. Organ accompaniment for hymn on Sunday night.
540. Sanctus for Sunday Night Mass: Score
To access the rehearsal videos, use “Adoremus in Aeternum” since the music is identical.
550. Agnus Dei for Sunday Night Mass: Score
To access the rehearsal videos, use “Adoremus in Aeternum” since the music is identical.
570. Benediction Motet by Victoria
575. Original Part Books from this motet
580. Verse 3b • from Guerrero’s “Hymn to the Sacred Trinity”
600. Introit for Sunday night.
590. Gregorian manuscript: “Gaudeamus”
595. Gregorian manuscript: “Beata Mater”
