What a young Father Morales wrote for Charles V
I prefer this old recording—but there are plenty of modern recordings available if you don’t like it.
Hymn: “All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King” (Sopr, Alto, Tenr, Bass)
Today, rehearsal videos were uploaded for each *individual* voice part: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.
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 […]
Going Beyond Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s “Take”
Sheen has sometimes been criticized for avoiding mention of the sacred liturgy during his talks, but I cannot agree with such a view. • Includes about the Holy Eucharist, including a quote by Father Leslie Rumble and a quote from Pope Pius X+
“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 […]
HYMN • “Vexilla Regis” (SATB setting in English)
Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923) called this “perhaps the greatest of all hymns.”
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” (Brébeuf Hymnal, #699)
During Advent, choirmasters must plan Christmas. During Lent, choirmasters must plan Easter. And so on.
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 […]
Repeating Repertoire? • Jeff Ostrowski
There’s an old saying: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.”
PDF Download • “Ad Regias Agni Dapes” (Organ Accompaniment)
I composed this organ accompaniment yesterday, looking ahead towards Eastertide.
Readings & Prayers Used By My Family On Sunday…
Including Fulton J. Sheen, Charles de Foucauld, and a Homily by Father Valentine Young, OFM
Rehearsal Video • Breathtaking Morales “Sanctus”
CCW contributors—Jeff, Veronica, Andrea, and Cynthia—each recorded a line for this recording.
“Sharing Is Caring”
I would like to share a message from a highly respected scholar. (His articles appear in distinguished journals such as Études grégoriennes and Oxford’s Early Music.) He wrote as follows: The Brébeuf Hymnal is very tastefully done. Your team has exquisite literary and musical taste. I see from my copy of the hymnal that you […]
What Frightens Me
The world’s experts have been releasing contradictory statements Re: Covid-19. I am neither a doctor nor a scientist, so I won’t comment; but I have something to say about the spine-tingling predictions made by certain politicians. When I was growing up, they told us “within ten years” we would starve due to overpopulation. The next […]
Official Statement on Coronavirus
The 2020 Sacred Music Symposium “Official Statement” on Coronavirus has been posted; I encourage everyone to read it. I would like to share some advice: (1) avoid excessive amounts of “cable news” reporting on the pandemic, similar to how we diligently avoid immoral magazines and pornography; (2) let us pray for God’s mercy, and let […]