tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21400053565929473232024-02-06T20:27:24.346-08:00Pastoral Music MusingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-86675490725523856492023-05-13T05:10:00.001-07:002023-05-13T05:10:53.602-07:00Choosing a new Mass settingOur youth choir wants to learn a new Mass setting - one with a better Gloria. <br />
<br />
Below are notes about the ones I've listened to. The basic criteria is: through setting (no refrain) of the Gloria, lively / appealing to teens, can be played on keyboard alone.<br />
<br />
Also , it needs to have a good on-line learning version , sheet music available for download (after purchase - free would be great, but I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount). Ideally, it should be viable for the congregation to do some of the Mass parts unaccompanied on days the choir isn't there. <br />
<br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Update</h2><div>Just found the new Mass of St Joseph from Paul A Tate: the Gloria from this has potential: `</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/11YvhgHoQms" width="320" youtube-src-id="11YvhgHoQms"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<br />
<h2>
Still to check</h2>
Mass of Christ, Light of the Nations - Alonso<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Masses considered</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Mass of St Francis - Paul Taylor</h3>
<div>
It's from Australia - need to look at it again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Revised Mass of Redemption - Janco</h3>
<div>
Gloria is through set</div>
<div>
Recordings are contemporary arrangements - likely appeal to teens</div>
<div>
Key of D = bright sound</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gospel acclamation - not too long, can see how various verses could be fitted to it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Same motifs through the Gloria, Alleluia, Holy Holy (at least).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is written as a choral piece - can we pull it off in unison??? (esp an issue with the Lamb of God)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>===> THIS IS AN OPTION</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Mass of Wisdom by Steven Janco</h3>
Online review says it really needs a choir to make it sound good<br />
Spotify has both traditional (ie organ) and contemporary (ie piano) versions of each piece.<br />
<br />
Kyrie - suits cantor / response<br />
Gloria - through set, lyrical - online comments say an assembly learend it fast. Recording has brass ... but it may translate well<br />
Alleluia - verses sound fiddly<br />
Gosp for Lent - simple<br />
Holy holy - didn't draw attention to itself<br />
Amen - sounded too complex<br />
Lamb of God - needs choir<br />
<br />
<b>===> This is a an option</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Mass of Spirit and Grace Mass Setting by Ricky Manalo, CSP</h3>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QlphCklrKo<br />
<br />
Has a Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei<br />
Gloria is a through setting - recording is all keyboard.<br />
<br />
Can't see the Allulia without a choir.<br />
Lamb of God - needs multiple parts to work.<br />
<br />
<b>===> MAYBE</b><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Psallite Mass: At the Table of the Lord</h3>
Gloria - through set<br />
Demo recordings for ... unaccompanied but attractive sound.<br />
Holy Holy - good<br />
Lamb of God - needs cantor.<br />
Not downloadable - but there is a review copy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Revised Mass for Christian Unity by Jan M. Vermulst</h3>
</div>
<div>
Gloria - through set.</div>
<div>
I really like the almost shape-note sound / modern chant. Polyphony on the recording will stretch distract teens though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of Renewal - Curtis Stephan</h3>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bpQzIaHbUM<br />
Kyrie - is in Greek, interesting tune<br />
Gloria - through setting, lyrical, nice enough - starting phrases sound a bit like the one from Sacred Heart - Tim R Smith - which we are already using. So that's an issue not to choose this arrangeemnt.<br />
Alleluia - don't like the way they pronounce the 2nd "alleluia"<br />
<br />
SSG - soemeone says it was best they've tried<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Sing Praise and Thanksgiving Mass - Joncas</h3>
<div>
Gloria - verse and refrain setting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Revised Heritage Mass Mass Setting by Owen Alstott</h3>
Gloria - through set. But recording has complicated polyphony. Won't work for our small choir. (Unless there's also a unison version).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Mass of the Desert - Tom Booth</h3>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbWJeH3GL20F4m35-bhjFQc7KDrbYBUG">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbWJeH3GL20F4m35-bhjFQc7KDrbYBUG</a><br />
Kyire - very simple<br />
Gloria - has a refrain, recording is rock / band style, won't transfer well to keyboard. Didn't listen to any more after this.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br />
</h3>
<br />
<h3>
Mass of St Timothy - Tom Booth and Matt Mahler</h3>
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EzgLrdHBOasWL8td2Ovw8MojSLP-aoz<br />
Kyrie - in Greek, call / response. Has verses that would need a cantor (could be left out)<br />
Gloria - jazzy / band-driven - unlikely to sound so well on keyboard<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of a Joyful Heart - Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek</h3>
Kyrie - gentle, guitar led (ok for keyboard I think)<br />
Gloria - refrain and verses (but 1st is long) - very much band/rhythm led<br />
No.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of the Resurrection by Randall DeBruyn</h3>
Gloria: Recording has brass - we don't. Witthout it, would it sound too boring???<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of St Paul - Walker</h3>
Gloria - very dramatic, needs large choir to pull off<br />
No<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of St Ann - Ed Bolduc</h3>
Gloria - has refrain, likely to need band to be effective - didn't listen to the rest based on this<br />
No<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<br />
</h3>
<h3>
Revised Mass of Creation by Marty Haugen</h3>
Youth won't know the original. Some adults will be "never used here". Could be a useful set of tunes for people to learn.<br />
Kyrie - doesn't have one (really?) - maybe it's expected that we just use the original<br />
Gloria - refrain and verses. No because of this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of Christ the Savior by Dan Schutte</h3>
Online review says "<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "muli"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "muli"; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">this is OCP's top selling mass setting: it is incredibly easy to sing, and can be very beautiful when executed correctly. The Gloria and Sanctus are particularly strong; as with some of the other settings here, the Alleluia is weak. </span>"<br />
<br />
Gloria<br />
Verses / retailer - not through set. Two long verses - but the refrain is quite long. Not looking further just because of this.<br />
Recording has male / female parts<br />
<br />
<h3>
Psallite Mass by Collegeville Composers</h3>
Traditional - unlikely to work with youth choir<br />
Recommended if you have a truly phenomenal choir. - recordings are unaccompanied<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass in Honor of St. Isaac Jogues by Jeff Ostrowski</h3>
Traditional - unlikely to work with youth choir<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Hopetoun Mass by Fr Chris Skinner.</h3>
Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
Written for use with a group of seminarians.<br />
Guitar led.<br />
Just doesn't feel right for our youth choir.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Millennium Mass by Bridget O'Shanassey.</h3>
Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
Kyrie - is in English - one odd thing in that 2nd phrase turn isn't a direct repeat.<br />
Gloria - through setting, has a section in a minor key in the middle (adds interest)<br />
Alleluia - seems drawn out<br />
Holy Holy - interesting tune, but has a high ending (too high?)<br />
MoF - three given, gentle<br />
Lamb of God - ok<br />
Amen - have that same high note at the end.<br />
<br />
-- No, the high ending notes means it won't fly well with congregation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Rejoice Mass by Suzanne Gasson.</h3>
<h3>
The Skerrit Mass by Peter Skerrit.</h3>
<h3>
The Cambridge Mass by Ross and Philippa Boyce. </h3>
Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
don't appear to have on-line versions, so too hard to learn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of Hope by Maria Guzzo.</h3>
Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
<br />
Piano based<br />
Kyrie - in English, call/refrain<br />
Gloria - through setting, not memorable (fine)<br />
Holy Holy - fine, has an interesting hook a the start of lines<br />
Lamb away - a bit formulaeic<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of the Good Shepherd by Kristin Browne</h3>
Setting from New Zealand = of not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
Gloria has some extreme notes,and places where the text/tune don't fit well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass for the City </h3>
<div>
Someone says. "It's festive and great for a celebration, employs the organ, and is easy for a congregation to sing strong." <br />
<br />
Recording is with organ, though and trained choir. Sounds complex. Some parts definitely need organ. No</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Belmont Mass - Walker</h3>
<div>
Is used in the UK.</div>
<div>
Gloria - recording is mainly singers with restrained organ. Through set.</div>
<div>
Traditional sound - someone said in comments "contemporary chant". Would be good to learn - maybe won't appeal to our youth choir yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
Mass of St. Frances Cabrini</h3>
<div>
Gloria - through set. Recording has organ - hard to imagine without it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Mass of Light - Revised - Haas</h3>
</div>
<div>
Gloria - keyboard led - verse and response.</div>
<div>
Didn't like</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Proulx's Community Mass</h3>
<br />
Kyrie - cantor / response - so can't be used by congregation alone. Very Choral.</div>
<div>
<br />
Gloria - recording has organ, very grand sound. Likely needs organ to support it.</div>
<div>
No.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mass of St. Francis (Horst Buchholz)</h3>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/adoremus-hymnal/downloadable-mp3s.htm" target="_blank">MP3s available here</a><br />
<br />
I'd be interested in learning this- but am 200% sure the youth choir wouldn't!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Other's from New Zealand - not assessed yet</h2>
All settings from New Zealand = not used elsewhere in Ireland (a disadvantage)<br />
<div>
The Correa Mass by Andrew Correa.<br />
The Hurley Mass by Margaret Hurley.<br />
Missa Brevis by Robert Loretz.<br />
The McCarthy Mass by Terry McCarthy.<br />
Mass of Hope by Maria Galbraith.<br />
Mass of Mary, Queen of Peace by Maria Guzzo.<br />
The Papaeioa Mass by Graham Parsons.<br />
The Saint Mary's Mass by Raymond White.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-74058949307396122282022-10-21T16:44:00.000-07:002022-10-21T16:44:12.360-07:00The Porter's Gate Worship Collective<p>This week, I spotted an interesting song by The Porter's Gate - and of course wondered who they are.</p><p>Some answer here: https://artandtheology.org/2020/09/12/songs-of-lament-and-justice-by-the-porters-gate/</p><p>An American worship collective, which put Covid-time to good use. No info about denominational links. But the song-themes, and the language they use suggest a solid theological background, a social-justice mindset, and facility with the English language. And they tackle the difficult questions - O Sacred Neck.</p><p>Songs I've heard so far seem to be more small group performance pieces than congregational. No bad thing if used correctly - but it can make e it difficult to become well known: there are phrases here which stick in the mind, but will entire songs stay in the lips and heart?</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.theportersgate.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">https://www.theportersgate.com/</a><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px;" /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theportersgate" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">https://www.facebook.com/theportersgate</a><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px;" /><a href="https://twitter.com/Theportersgate" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">https://twitter.com/Theportersgate</a><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px;" /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theportersgate/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid; box-sizing: inherit; color: #404040; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", Libre, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 16px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">https://www.instagram.com/theportersgate/</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-42273467961346125732022-07-31T14:49:00.002-07:002022-07-31T14:49:20.458-07:00Slightly Improper!A good explanation here of where the Propers texts came from, and why they're not really so key in selecting music - especially if you're trying to establish a well-know repertoire:<div><br /></div><div>https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2022/07/30/can-we-sing-just-anything-at-mass/</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-59007837902768802062022-06-06T15:30:00.002-07:002022-07-31T14:50:20.390-07:00Everyone needs frequent confession? Or is it repentance that they need?I ran across this article while researching a hymn that someone mis-heard the lyrics of:<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.pravmir.com/proud-to-be-humble-confession-is-not-always-the-answer/" target="_blank">Proud to Be Humble: Confession Is Not Always the Answer</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to quote a small part:</div><blockquote><i>I fear by insisting for so long on going to Confession as a pious duty and almost a goal in itself, we have created a sick spirituality that fosters the worst form of religious pride – the exact opposite of what repentance and Confession are meant to lead us to.<br /><br />It is not more frequent confession we should be encouraging, but “a contrite and humbled heart”</i><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>IMHO, it's not only an Orthodox thing. And is a message that OLPs (ordinary lay people) need to focus on: the sacramental icing on the cake is a nice thing to have, the real work comes on yourself beforehand.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-54838984749638690362021-06-02T17:28:00.000-07:002021-06-02T17:28:06.984-07:00The purpose of music in worship Apparently Sacrosanctum Concilium says that the function of music is to <div><blockquote>"add delight to prayer, foster unity of minds, or confer greater solemnity upon the sacred rites."</blockquote><p>Interesting use of OR before the last clause. </p><p><br /></p><p>The full quote is </p>Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. But the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into divine worship.</div><div><br /></div><div>ref: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-71747205115222815942020-07-17T15:43:00.001-07:002020-07-17T15:43:22.361-07:00An alternative spiritual communion prayer<p style="text-align: left;">Thank you, Kate Keeffe - <a href="https://www.musicformass.blog/2020/06/10/virtual-corpus-christi-corporeal-computer/">https://www.musicformass.blog/2020/06/10/virtual-corpus-christi-corporeal-computer/</a></p><blockquote>Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God / by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit / your death brought life to the world./ By your holy body and blood / free me from all my sins and from every evil. / Keep me faithful to your teaching, / and never let me be parted from you.</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-28828909864092047712020-05-19T15:53:00.000-07:002020-05-19T15:53:20.342-07:00Art History resourcesKhan Academy art history course - <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history#start-here-apah">https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history#start-here-apah</a><br />
<br />
Christian Art - Reading the daily gospel through Art - <a href="https://www.christian.art/">https://www.christian.art/</a><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-14314100657415359492019-07-15T15:45:00.003-07:002019-07-15T15:45:22.681-07:00Theology of Soundsince moving to Ireland, I've felt that there was something spiritual about traditional music.<br />
<br />
Was it just the sense of community? Maybe, but maybe not.<br />
<br />
Today I saw a reference to:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>the growing field of sonic theology which gives words to “the role of sound and vibration in the spiritual domain.” </i></blockquote>
<br />Bingo! It's not just me.<br />
<br />
A very quick read says that so far more of the research has been in non-Christian traditions. But I sense that will change - 'tis a topic to keep an eye out for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-65211591601785129982019-02-10T14:16:00.005-08:002019-02-10T14:16:49.874-08:00Communion stations are a bad idea because ...<br />I've always thought that the whole "communion stations" idea was a bit off. The only words I had to explain why was the idea that as Christian community we should all be moving in the same direction.<br /><br /><br />This is a far better statement: <a href="https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2018/06/28/amen-corner-theres-always-room-at-the-table/" target="_blank">https://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2018/06/28/amen-corner-theres-always-room-at-the-table/</a><div>
<br /><h2>
Key points</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Having been invited to “draw near with faith,” we are stopped in our tracks by [someone saying] “Thus far shall you come and no farther” ( Job 38:11). </blockquote>
<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Having declared that “We do not presume to come to this [the Lord’s] table trusting in our own righteousness,” we are dispatched away from it, down to the rear of the building.</blockquote>
<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
This [is] ... inappropriate ... in the name of the one who [said] “Anyone who comes to me I will never turn away” ( John 6:37).</blockquote>
<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
In most [places, communion stations are] unnecessary with, [enough] ministers of the Eucharist, the removal of redundant furniture and unsightly clutter, [and} ... some simple logistical planning .... At least then, even if the communicants cannot literally be at the holy table, they can draw near it and see it.</blockquote>
<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
The communion procession ... is so much richer than the practical matter of getting from A to B. It is a ritual expression of our identity as fellow pilgrims on a journey to the heavenly banquet, singing as we walk.</blockquote>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-32816384516464933172017-08-15T07:28:00.002-07:002017-12-30T18:54:49.438-08:00God as King? I don't think so ....To someone from a democracy, in which the Queen is s figurehead living in a far-away country, the idea of God as King has always been a bit foreign.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://rorycooney.blogspot.com/2014/07/songstories-34-to-you-who-bow-gia-2014.html" target="_blank">This post</a> from Rory Cooney, sharing the back story of one of his recent hymns has some interesting quotes, which got me thinking about it some more.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>" the image of God we've inherited from monarchy and haven't shaken off, an image of God derived from power"</i></blockquote><br />
Since moving to Ireland, I've been struck by the extent to which monarchy is the model of church for so many people: bishops are princes, and the Pope is the king. It just doesn't feel right though. A king is just not something I need in my psyche.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-91894977961478772032017-08-14T08:37:00.001-07:002017-08-14T08:37:05.850-07:00Faith is sustained through the love of the person of ChristSome quotes from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/these-chicago-catholics-have-a-game-plan-for-evangelization-72415/<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />
the Christian faith must contain a personal encounter with Christ because “the reality is, though, that people will find it difficult to die for a detached notion.”</blockquote><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Creating discipleship is more than an ethical problem – and Catholicism is more than “an intellectual system with a moral code attached to it.”</blockquote><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">The faith can't be sustained solely as an idea, or even as the sacrifice required in the Christian life and as seen in martyrs and saints, he said. Rather, it's sustained through the love of the person of Christ.</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-40586058258019003782017-08-14T08:34:00.005-07:002017-08-14T08:34:52.310-07:00On liturgical danceGreat quote on liturgical dance, from <a href="http://www.musicformass.blog/2017/05/30/what-came-first-rhythm-or-melody/" target="_blank">http://www.musicformass.blog/2017/05/30/what-came-first-rhythm-or-melody/</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I’m not altogether convinced by the sort of liturgical dance I have seen, because it tends to be done at people rather than by people, and I think the point about liturgy is that we all do it together, especially the music.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Amen to that. Liturgical dance is said to be praying with our bodies. But is it prayer for others who are just watching, not taking part. No matter how attentively they're watching, they're still present but not participating. Their bodies are not engaged.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-10939718205259707492017-03-12T10:48:00.000-07:002017-03-12T10:48:31.916-07:00You have to meet people at least half-way - not turn them off with your exquisite tasteJust found <a href="http://valleadurni.blogspot.ie/2010/02/place-of-awful-music.html" target="_blank">this piece</a> from a pastor who understands why tasteful music cannot be used everywhere. 'Tis a few years after it was published, but still totally relevant.<br />
<br />
Two great quotes:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So, whether it’s Kendrick or Byrd, Estelle White or Mozart; the important thing is that it is received. It is not my job to educate people in taste; I am supposed to educate them in sound doctrine, and I will be able to do so more efficiently in a context where they feel comfortable.</blockquote>
and<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My people are wonderful people, and as far as I am concerned, the important thing is that they are here at Mass. Our church is full each Sunday, thanks be to God, and if the cost of that is dreadful music, then bring on the tambourines!</blockquote>
<br />
I'm going to make some use of these.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-84331005066234701442017-03-09T13:53:00.000-08:002017-03-09T13:53:32.540-08:00Good mappings from scripture to readingsSometimes indices which list hymns related to pieces of scripture take a very broad view of the link. These ones are narrower - it's easier to see the link:<br /><br />Gospel of John - <a href="http://catholic-resources.org/John/Liturgy-Music.html">http://catholic-resources.org/John/Liturgy-Music.html</a><br /><br />Haugen songs from Mark, Luke and John: <a href="http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Music-Haugen.htm">http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Music-Haugen.htm</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-61588574392775425732016-07-27T15:21:00.004-07:002016-07-27T15:21:45.603-07:00Ad orientem and versus populum - which side of the altar does the priest stand onA handy reference to both sides of the story, with not too many comments from haters of either stripe.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
http://americamagazine.org/content/all-things/facing-east-during-liturgy-fact-and-fiction</blockquote>
<br />
Let's hope the whole thing has blown over before Advent rolls around.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-63631937625082608282016-07-03T17:15:00.000-07:002016-07-03T17:15:02.349-07:00God as King? I don't think so ...To someone from a democracy, in which the Queen is s figurehead living in a far-away country, the idea of God as King has always been a bit foreign.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://rorycooney.blogspot.com/2014/07/songstories-34-to-you-who-bow-gia-2014.html" target="_blank">This post</a> from Rory Cooney, sharing the back story of one of his recent hymns has some interesting quotes:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>" the image of God we've inherited from monarchy and haven't shaken off,an image of God derived from power"</i></blockquote>
<br />
Since moving to Ireland, I've been struck by the extent to which monarchy is the model of church for so many people: bishops are princes, and the Pope is the king. Even though this is a republic, for many it's like the monarchy is still a deeply ingrained part of how the world works, which has to apply to both church and state.<br />
<br />
Me, I'm not having a bar of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-42172484755473813592016-07-03T14:46:00.002-07:002016-07-03T14:46:46.449-07:00Church choirs exist to lead and sustain everyone's singing - not to do it all themselvesA quote from the General Instruction to the Roman Missal (GIRM):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing. It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people's singing.</i></blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-34833853604554884022016-07-03T14:28:00.003-07:002016-07-03T14:28:56.972-07:00When in doubt, give people the benefit of the doubt<div class="tr_bq">
A good phrase to remember from the Catechism of the Catholic Church - which maybe some people have difficulty remembering:</div>
<blockquote>
<i>2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favourable way:<br />Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another’s statement than to condemn it.</i></blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-52122713879855936622016-01-07T12:45:00.005-08:002016-01-07T12:45:50.645-08:00The same locus of faithIt's not often I find gems worth keeping on the Chant Café.<br />
<br />
But there's one today <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChantCaf/~3/zXPGZPhRAlw/ill-sing-onabout-our-awesome-god.html" target="_blank">here</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
On the other hand, when those who take the responsibilities of liturgical office arrive at some belief that the vagaries of propriety and canon mitigates and dismisses all other concerns that are part and parcel of ritual and worship by HUMAN BEINGS, then they risk not recognizing Christ at their own doors. They put on blinders to the reality that those whom they serve are not likely all at the same locus of faith.</blockquote>
<br />
Just to repeat the key phrase:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"those whom they serve are not likely all at the same locus of faith"</b></blockquote>
<br />
A mature adult faith may well be nurtured by does of dignified, beautiful Latin hymns delivered in a measured pace with decorum.<br />
<br />
But to the average child or teenager (not the musical prodigy, just the average one) such treasures will be the aural equivalent of eating sawdust.<br />
<br />
Keep the polished gems for sure. But be aware that they weren't the church's music in Jesus time, and they're not necessarily Jesus voice for the youth (and indeed many adults) of today, either.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-35309246319995762952015-12-30T03:20:00.003-08:002015-12-30T03:20:34.226-08:00Why parish musicians do what they do<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Our parish musicians ... are not here to put on a show or delight us with their musical talents. They put their talents at the service of those of us in the pews. And the greatest way we can respond ... is by raising our voices in song with those around us."</blockquote>
<div>
From <a href="http://gottasinggottapray.blogspot.com/2015/12/sparking-musical-fire.html">http://gottasinggottapray.blogspot.com/2015/12/sparking-musical-fire.html</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-67202117411213642812015-11-09T13:08:00.002-08:002015-11-09T13:08:37.859-08:00Bad Catholic Music is not a thingSome conservative Catholics have an amazing inability to comprehend just how wide their church is, and that their sensibilities are not the same as everyone else's.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/issues/november-6th-2015/can-bad-catholic-music-be-stopped/" target="_blank">This guy</a> has a rant about what he calls "Bad Catholic Music" (BCM allegedly).<br />
<br />
He has not problem with saying that he stopping going to Mass for a while because he didn't like the music. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I don’t recommend it – but it worked, because the only place you encounter those smug, gloopy songs is a modern Catholic church" </i></blockquote>
I think this gives a pretty good insight into the role that Eucharist played in his spiritual life at the time: he could have easily enough found a music-less Mass, or even just offered-up his sufferings for the greater good: Instead, he stopped going and blamed it on other people's music choices, rather than take responsibility for his own spiritual state. Now he's found places that play the chunes he likes, he's back again - arguably to worship Hayden, Byrd, and whoever else.<br />
<br />
Good for him. I hope God can work effectively in his life, using the means that God has for communicating with him.<br />
<br />
But I cannot agree that his "high art" musical tastes represent everyone else's pathway to God too. God is just too big to be limited to one genre, one motif, one groove.<br />
<br />
And do not even start me on how a song can "be" Catholic. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-65490169984874678022015-10-12T04:26:00.001-07:002015-10-12T04:26:30.241-07:00Merton on Gregorian ChantThe Chant Café has some interesting <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChantCaf/~3/C4ZdI0LYlDQ/thomas-merton-on-gregorian-chant.html" target="_blank">comments from Thomas Merton </a>about Latin and (Gregorian) chants.<br />
<br />
He says "they offer us an irreplaceable <b>monastic </b>and Christian experience." Which is great, because it sets his comments strictly in the context of monastic experience, ie people who have devoted their lives to full-time prayer and detachment from the world. Which is not the case for most Christians.<br />
<br />
He also notes that<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"it is not at all impossible to make such things [meaning Latin and chant] understood and appreciated. Generally I succeed quite well in this, in the novitiate, with some exceptions, naturally, who did not understand well."</blockquote>
<br />
So some his novices - highly motivated, aspiring professional-prayers in full time formation with an experienced guide - couldn't manage to understand Latin and chant.<br />
<br />
If some of them couldn't manage it, then what hope for the average Christian whose capacity for such formation is intrinsically less, simply because they have to devote the majority of their time to the affairs of the world.<br />
<br />
My conclusion: Chant is great for people who have the gift of praying with chant. But that isn't all - or even most - of us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-4295231927850037752015-10-12T04:23:00.001-07:002015-10-12T04:23:02.290-07:00Retreat Venues in IrelandI can't find a good list anywhere else, so am making my own. In no particular order:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.layretreats.com/" target="_blank">Lay Retreat Association of St Ignatius</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Donegal<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.loughderg.org/" target="_blank">Lough Derg</a> (There are also places called Lough Derg in Clare and Galway, but they're not the retreat centre)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Galway<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Esker</li>
<li>Jesuit</li>
<li>Croi Nua</li>
</ul>
<br />
Kilkenny<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.integritas.ie/" target="_blank">Integritas Centre</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mayo<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ballintubber?</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-7336149029809743842015-08-16T13:20:00.004-07:002015-08-16T13:20:58.993-07:00Some interesting books<h2>
Catholic Music through the Ages: Balancing the Needs of a Worshipping Church</h2>
Edward Schaefer<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1595250204/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1595250204&linkCode=as2&tag=rustling-21"><img border="0" src="http://ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1595250204&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=rustling-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=rustling-21&l=as2&o=2&a=1595250204" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sacred Treasure</h2>
Joseph P. Swain<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0814662552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0814662552&linkCode=as2&tag=rustling-21"><img border="0" src="http://ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0814662552&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=rustling-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=rustling-21&l=as2&o=2&a=0814662552" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
Conveys deep understanding of issues without needing technical vocabulary.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140005356592947323.post-44404461421967817282015-05-27T15:27:00.001-07:002015-05-27T15:27:12.402-07:00A lamentable eurocentrismRead a great <a href="http://www.sixmaddens.org/?p=303#comment-18234" target="_blank">comment from the Church Music blog</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
There is a lamentable eurocentrism to our music in Church. What we now loosely call sacred music was merely the secular music of another age co-opted by the church and old enough now that no-one remembers that organ music was originally popular entertainment and frowned upon by the Church. Besides the Psalms call for stringed instruments, not organs.<br />
<br />
This popular music called Rock comes from Black, Jewish and Scots-Irish sources, and has much to recommend it. Certainly in Australia rock music means more to people than church organ music (unsuited to hot climates where pipe organs suffer in any case).</blockquote>
<br />
I've been contemplating researching the history of the pipe organ to try to understand why some people think it is so much more suitable for liturgy than any other instrument. Sure, the church says so - but why???<br />
<br />
Personally I find it that the way it is used in church is often distant, pompous, antagonistic, triumphal - anything but able to encourage a personal or communal relationship with a loving God.<br />
<br />
Obviously other people don't have the same visceral reaction I do - but mine is no less valid, and I suspect not all that uncommon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0