“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?” —The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021; interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)
While other musical scales and musical traditions find their origin in the overtone series, only western civilization has developed nature’s original gift into one of the world’s great achievements: Western music.
“The tunes and ditties of the radio will be meaningless in the magnitude of one’s final moments; only the psalms can bear the weight of the moment.” —Barry Rose
Once we realize how high that standard for accepting a chorister is, it becomes easier to understand the boy’s rapid musical progress in the choir.
A comment on the importance of the role of director of music a Westminster Cathedral, following the resignation of Martin Baker, offered by Gregory Treloar.
Educators who seek to shape students in both wisdom and virtue, and who share the belief that music and aesthetics play an integral part in the content of a Catholic liberal arts education should apply.
Jeff’s recent post made me think that perhaps a recap of all the events so far at Westminster Cathedral would be helpful to readers.
Everyone is searching for a silver bullet. Perhaps it’s a certain education method, a special book or a technique. Standing somewhat in opposition to all of these various techniques and methods is the English choir school, where the director stands in front of the boys and says “that’s an A, now sing it!”
What is absolutely necessary for the existence of a choral foundation?
We commend his soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
We need to break away from simply providing music for the next Sunday’s Masses.
The “Schools Singing Programme” currently serves 4,000 children each year, many from the most economically depressed areas in England…
Support was key, but once Glenn had the necessary vision and support, the rest was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.
I often wonder if some of the vitriol directed against the Church’s music is due to its less than stellar presentation.
These are things a choir director needs to think about as he plans to build a successful choral foundation at his own cathedral or parish.
Choir Schools would help to fill our parishes with congregations and choir members who would expect real sacred music sung to a high degree…
