Still basking in the graces of the visit of the relics of St Therese to Scotland, we arrive today at her feast day (traditional calendar). As someone who has a particularly liturgical prayer life, I often look to the Mass and the Office for insights into the spiritual complexion of a feast.
Continue reading “Chant Analysis: The Feast of St Therese”Feast of St Michael the Archangel, Office Hymn
The hymn for Matins and Vespers on the feast of St Michael the Archangel was originally written by Rabanus Maura in the early 9th century. The text was revised in the 1600s and indulgenced by Pope Pius VII in 1817.
Continue reading “Feast of St Michael the Archangel, Office Hymn”Gregorian Chant: Music of Heaven on Earth
As a boy of 12, I remember our protestant minister commenting on the playing of my friend who was practicing the trumpet. ‘That is heavenly music’ he said with a wide grin. My friend’s satisfaction with the complement was shattered as the elderly man continued ‘it’s of no earthly use!’ What seemed like a remark made in jest, shattered my poor companion – once he had fully realised what it meant, that is.
Continue reading “Gregorian Chant: Music of Heaven on Earth”