Father Herbert Thurston • “I Fear the Man With One Book”
“Sometimes there was the possibility to be faced that a particular line of research could never be followed to a successful conclusion because the evidence was now no longer available.”
Articles
What is the Tonic Accent?
We should define our terms. What makes a syllable accented, and what makes an accent a tonic accent?
PDF Download • 1909 “Modern Notation” Gradual (Extremely Rare) — 712 Pages
The truth is stranger than fiction.
Folk Mass Clip • Priest Facing “Ad Orientem”
Then he got really angry (because it dawned on him what he’d just admitted).
“On Eagles’ Wings?” • I Found Something Better!
The songs and hymns were pleasantly familiar … to the point where after twelve years I could play by heart every song in the ‘Breaking Bread’ hymnal.
Hidden Gem: Adoro Te Devote (Carlotta Ferrari)
Find out why this motet is simple enough for beginning choirs yet demanding enough to challenge seasoned singers.
PDF Download • “Keenly Rare!” • Gregorian Chant Booklet on 5 Lines (1920) — 326 Pages
There must have been a need for such a booklet, otherwise he would not have gone to the trouble of creating it!
Church Music • “Should It Make Your Congregation Happy or Sad?”
If your priest approaches you after Mass and says the music sounded horrible, it’s incorrect to reply: “Well, that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Getting More Mileage out of a Polyphonic Requiem
“Many choirs only have the opportunity to sing a choral Requiem Mass once a year, if that.” —Patrick Williams
PDF Download • “Organ Accompaniment Booklet” (25 pages) — Vespers, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
The internet is putting good people in touch with one another.
Introducing The Saint Hildegard Project
Comprised of men and women who share a fervent devotion to the music itself, The Saint Hildegard Project strives to teach with integrity and perform with excellence for the edification of souls and the glory of God.
Video • “Counting Gregorian Chant” … according to Dom Mocquereau’s Method
The example chosen is the strenuous offertory (“Jubiláte Déo”) for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany.
New Lectionary for the USA • Coming in 2028?
“Work hasn’t even begun on the next Lectionary, and there’s nothing definite about 2028 as a date.” — Father Andrew V. Menke, director of the USCCB liturgical committee
Hymn Experiment • “Does This Work?”
If memory serves, his exact words were: “Gee, I never thought about that before.” Astonishing!
PDF Download • Max Springer’s Gradual in Modern Notation (870 pages) — Extravagantly Rare!
In addition to this rare book by Max Springer (870 pages), I release the draft copy of a new Gregorian project (157 pages).