“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)
Sometimes men—usually not women—brag publicly about how much money they make. It’s important to remember that everything (everything) comes from God, and we’ll be held responsible for every cent. Anything we currently possess is only thanks to God, Who gave us our bodies, minds, health, energy … indeed, our very existence. Only a foolish and […]
Several readers have requested the URL link to download the GREGORIAN MISSAL (Solesmes Abbey, 1989) in PDF format. All you have to do is click here. The book was professionally scanned and made available online by the Church Music Association of America on 21 January 2009.
Those who wish to do so may download the Order of Music I’m using for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B (English Masses). Including plainsong in English, wonderful hymns, settings of the Ordinary in both Latin & English, and even a motet by Kevin Allen.
This Sunday I begin service at my new church in Michigan. If you’re curious about the musical lineup for the Spanish Mass, feel free to download the Order of Music I created for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. I tried to be sensitive to what the parish was doing before my arrival […]
On page 226 of the “People’s Mass Book” (1964), you’ll discover the “TOULON” melody used several times in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal, whose editorial team made it clear they had zero interest in “ginning up” a brand new hymnody tradition. Many of the melodies in the Brébeuf Hymnal were used by hundreds of Catholic hymn […]
A simplified keyboard accompaniment for pianists struggling to be organists.
We get tons of messages from readers; perhaps we should do a better job sharing them. In 2010, composer Dan Schutte published “Mass of Christ the Savior,” based upon the theme song from the My Little Pony television cartoon. Earlier today, someone under the moniker “Praying Girl” wrote as follows: “I wonder how many people […]
How well do you know hymnody? A few days ago, we recorded this really beautiful hymn as part of a Roman Catholic Spanish hymnal project we’re helping with. Can you name that tune? (We’re looking for the correct name of the melody.) If you give up—or if you want to verify your answer—click here for […]
Jennifer Urquhart wrote to us: “I’m currently involved in providing music for a non-specialist choir which will sing a TLM for the Sacred Heart. Since those propers changed in 1929, the one in the figured Liber Usualis (1924) now has the wrong texts.” Jennifer placed those propers into modern notation, which you can download as […]
Click here to listen to our 100% volunteer choir singing this famous hymn without organ. By way of comparison, you can hear the same choir sing that hymn accompanied by the pipe organ if you click here. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Please feel free to email me and tell me which you like better.
The soul-stirring hymn used on ASCENSION THURSDAY at Vespers—and also used on the Sunday which follows the Ascension—was called in the 7th century: “Jesu Nostra Redemptio.” After 1631AD, the title of that hymn was changed to “Salutis Humanae Sator.” The melody assigned by the Vatican Commission on Gregorian Chant is rather mournful (and very difficult […]
Here is a ‘live’ recording from the Mass on Ascension Thursday (2024): Hymn for the Ascension. I could not be prouder of this parish choir, which consists 100% of volunteers. To learn more about this hymn, please visit #704 in the hymn portal. I have argued that—in addition to CARMEN GREGORIANUM, organ music, and polyphony—hymns […]
In case you missed the full article I posted the other day on Views from the Choir Loft, feel free to download a PDF version of my simplified organ accompaniment for the famous hymn “Praise To The Lord,” which is often paired with LOBE DEN HERREN. I’m toying with the idea of creating a whole […]
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Upon hearing this special rendition of the ancient Roman Catholic hymn for Eastertide known as “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” several readers requested the score. You may now download the PDF Score (4 pages) completely free of charge. [Rehearsal videos for each individual part are waiting for you at #33013.] For the record, prior to 1632AD […]
