Category Archives: Thoughts on Catholic Music
Gregorian Chant is For Radicals: Part One
In my last post, I made the claim that Gregorian Chant, and traditional sacred music, is “radical.” I said that it should be embraced by those of us with liberal, progressive, unorthodox, or even heretical beliefs, not just because it is a part of our shared Catholic faith tradition (which it is- and that’s reason [...]
Reclaim Gregorian Chant!
I continue to be troubled by the fact that the apparent resurgence of traditional liturgy and music is tied to an increase in political and theological conservatism. The glories of traditional music, much like the glories of Christ Himself, are being co-opted by political and theological conservatism, while the liberal establishment are letting them do this, pretty much without a fight.
This is wrong.
Tribalism in Catholic Music
If we are interested in recovering a sense of our “tribal” identity as Catholics, we need to recover the music that truly belongs to our tribe- not steal some music from another group or try to imagine our own ritualism.
Curating Sacred Music
One of the wonderful things about the digital revolution is the almost obscene abundance of content.
One of the most frustrating things about the digital revolution is the almost obscene abundance of content.
Jerry Galipeau Responds & a Servant Model of Composition
The Church of Jesus Christ is not short on people seeking after power.
The Church of Jesus Christ is short on servants.
Sacred Music Pricing
There are a lot of real strong opinions all over the Internet (shocking!) about what other people should do with their work, their money, their time. I think making declarations about what is the good or right way to do these things is arrogant at best. I can offer only some suggestions, gleened from my observations in the Sacred Music world and my experience in the Secular world of internet business and marketing.
Reviews of Mass Settings with New Translations – OCP’s New Settings
The second in a series that started with reviews of GIA’s new Mass settings. Some hits and misses here, but OCP’s line up seems a bit better than GIA’s.
Top 10 Reasons Liberals, Progressives, and Heretics Should Sing Gregorian Chant
Do you really need 10 reasons? Well, here they are…
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 [...]
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 [...]