Emotional Baggage and Changing Demographics
As a child growing up in the 1970s, I was well aware of the utter incompetence I was hearing on Sundays. As you can tell, I am still pretty upset about it.
Are You a Servant Leader?
Leadership and authority are two very different things. Some with authority do not command respect. A Servant Leader will usually earn the respect and trust of others. Do so, and you can change the world.
Chris Mueller’s Unique Voice in the Propers
Chris Mueller has a very unique collection of Offertory Propers in English. He refers to them as “miniatures”, but each is unique revealing a depth of character that gives them lasting power.
A Challenge for the “Big Three” — Is there a Market for the Propers?
I have a challenge to the “Big Three” publishers. The propers are the new frontier of liturgical composition. I propose that they get ahead of the curve now.
Saint Cecilia and Why the Word is Preeminent
I confront a challenge most musicians of sacred music face: the battle between the Word and musical “feel.” From the Word, emanates a life: all that is love, all that is beauty, all that is sacrifice and service to God.
The Politics of Sacred Music
Architecture? Incense? Piano? Guitar? Organ? Chant? Old translation? New translation? Latin? Inclusive or non-inclusive language? All the above sometimes have emotions assigned to them distracting from prayer. Putting God first is counter-cultural, but it should be apolitical.
Sainthood May Sound Crazy
We are called to be saints. Does this sound crazy? I am more and more convinced it is not. Perhaps there is a roadmap to sainthood that we’ve known all along.
Who Likes to be “Pruned”?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being pruned. Ultimately, this pruning leads to a refinement of the soul.
Composing Heals a Heavy Heart
Musical composition, especially in a defined prayerful structure, can uncover a wounded heart, one that is buried under its own weight. Music in service to God—even for a humble group of singers—may heal and lift those weighed down. This may include the composer as well!
“Requiem pour une américaine à Paris” on “Sounds from the Spires”
Inspired by the Gregorian Chant propers of the Requiem Mass, Richard J. Clark’s “Requiem pour une américaine à Paris” was recently featured on “Sounds from the Spires” on SIRIUS XM 129 Radio, The Catholic Channel, hosted by Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC.
Stress, Low Pay, and ‘That Finger of Jesus’
“That finger of Jesus, pointing at Matthew. That’s me. I feel like him. Like Matthew…It is the gesture of Matthew that strikes me: he holds on to his money as if to say, ‘No, not me! No, this money is mine.’
Pope Francis Leads Outside of Our Comfort Zone
Pope Francis is not afraid to open dialogue about difficult subjects. That alone marks enormous change. Perhaps, this kind of dialogue makes some of us uncomfortable. But this opens the possibility of growth.
Inviolable Refuge
At one time or another, all artists are tested in the same way that faith is tested. In this test—the infliction we will endure at one time or another—our faith is made stronger.
It’s No Fluke
One day after mass, a woman told me how wonderful it is to sing the scriptures while receiving communion. I doubt she knows at all what the propers of the mass are. She demonstrated that it is far easier to connect the music of the propers to the mass itself than potentially a hymn or song.
In Paradisum | Pray for Peace
On this day, let us pray for peace and for those who died before us.