Author Archives:
Top 10 Reasons Liberals, Progressives, and Heretics Should Sing Gregorian Chant
Do you really need 10 reasons? Well, here they are…
Feminist Hymn to the Trinity
I have been a little hesitant to talk about my writing of music that explores a feminine understanding of God, because I am trying to build bridges between progressives and traditionalists, and because I am loath to associate myself with some of the more ridiculous strands of feminist and liberal theology (I like to use the phrase “otherwise orthodox”).
Music for Ascension Sunday
When thinking about the Ascension Sunday, I couldn’t help but think that chanted Propers would be a particularly fantasic choice given the nature of the Solemnity and the texts of the Lectionary, and I wanted to expound on that thought a bit, as it may provide one more opening for chanted propers to find a way into Liturgy at your parish.
My Personal Church Music Preferences
Please note!
The following has nothing to do with correct liturgical practices, or what would be pastorally appropriate in particular parish. It does not represent what I would actually do if put in charge. It does not represent my understanding of Sacrosanctum Concilium or the USCCB’s guidelines on anything.
The following is what I, personally would like [...]
Music for Holy Week and Easter
My recent forays into Liturgical music op-ed writing aside, the real purpose of this blog is to provide some ideas and suggestions for Lectionary-appropriate songs each Sunday.
But (and I know this will disappoint my faithful readers) I’m not going to provide a handy list for Holy Week. Here’s why:
Mostly, you need to do whatever you [...]
New ICEL Chants for the English Ordinary of the Roman Missal
Jeffrey Tucker, my new friend and leading candidate for the position of “my arch nemesis,” was kind enough to send me the entire set of the new ICEL chants that go with the new translation of the Roman Missal. First of all- thanks!
Let me preface my thoughts on the new settings with some context about [...]
The Constitution on the Divine Liturgy in the light of the “Reform of the Reform”
Some traditionalist Catholics, notably the (until recently schizmatic) Society of Pius x, simply deny the efficacy of Vatican II and the reforms that followed. But the more common trend these days, following the example of Benedict, is to reinterpret the work of the council.
In this way,they move backwards toward a preconcilliar ideal (which many of [...]
On Quality in Catholic Music
While NLM and I have some differences of opinions when it comes to what styles of music are appropriate for the Liturgy, I couldn’t agree more with their assessment of the quality of musicianship within the average Catholic parish.
Let alone the “hard stuff” like Sacred Polyphony and organ preludes, most choir directors aren’t qualified to [...]
Fifth Sunday of Lent
The lectionary readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year C) tell us very plainly that God is “doing something new!” What a refreshing thing to hear from sacred scripture- perhaps our music for the Fifth Sunday of Lent can pickup that theme.
The New Roman Missal
I have serious problem with the new translation of the Roman Missal. I have read as much of the text as I Can get a hold of online.
And I’m not just liberal liturgist who wants to complain about the text being hard to sing. I have studied Latin, and can competently read and worship [...]