Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”
“I have found, to my astonishment, that Catholics…in their principal churches, do not to this day possess even one Mass setting even tolerably good, or which is not actually distasteful and operatic.” —Felix Mendelssohn (1835)
The draft booklet (320 pages) which will—in a gorgeous hard-copy—be given to participants at the Sacred Music Symposium has been released. If you see any typos, please let me know ASAP. Thank you!
I will never forget standing in that green room, waiting to go on stage.
I got this (personal) message from a choir member. I know we usually avoid sharing personal items, but hopefully this exception is warranted: “Dear Mr. Ostrowski, I read your recent article, “I Came From Somewhere.” I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for all that you do. I appreciate your sentiments and your work to […]
Including a haunting hymn by Flor Peeters for Eastertide.
I’m desperately in need of this book!
Plainsong sung poorly—in a sluggish, lifeless manner—can leave a bad taste in people’s mouths.
We have spoken many times about the common tunes contained in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal. I have suggested that these “shared melodies” are crucial for any director attempting to build a serious choral program in today’s environment. However, I’ve also said hymn pairings must be done with great sensitivity. Take a look at […]
Rather than allow the traditional times, the Vatican gave permission to allow the Easter Vigil to be celebrated on the morning of Easter Sunday!
Could 1% of Catholics? Or even fewer than that?
It was without question the wildest thing I ever heard.
Dallas, Singapore, Los Angeles…there’s so much good in the world!
If we feel compelled to condemn these changes, let’s at least spend time learning what they are!
Conscientious choirmasters know it’s crucial to get “as much bang for your buck” as possible.
A reader asks: “No Dotted Neumes?”
