Exaudi Domine, V Sunday after Pentecost

A great prayer exercise for those involved in sacred music is to meditate on the texts of the propers (the changing prayers of the Mass) using the chant.

The western chant repertoire of the Church is an amalgamation of chants belonging to the different western rites, the final corpus being delineated by Pope Gregory the Great in the late 9th Century- giving it the nickname ‘Gregorian Chant.’ It would be a mistake to think that this is the beginning of the chant repertoire- the same mistake as thinking that the Tridentine Mass originates from the Council of Trent which simply codified and standardised the Latin Rite which can be traced back to the Apostles. Continue reading “Exaudi Domine, V Sunday after Pentecost”

How to sing and accompany Gregorian Chant

Where to start when wishing to learn to sing or accompany Gregorian Chant?

I would love to get back to helping in person once lockdown ends but in the meantime here is a one-stop-shop to get you started!

How to read and sing chant– an introduction given by the great Jeff Ostrowski at Corpus Christi Watershed.

If unsure about how to sing Solfa- get the basics here and with the subsequent videos.

Chant Accompaniment

1. Although every organist should aim to accompany chant directly from the neuems, the following link contains full Nova Organi Harmonia harmonisations of the Gregorian Ordinaries and Propers and more!

2. Chant Talk– Patrick Torsell, is Director of Music at Mater Dei FSSP Parish, Harrisburg, PA. He has some useful video tutorials on effective chant accompaniment in different modes.

3. I suggest that they immerse themselves in listening to excellent chant accompaniment. I recommend Fontgombault and Westminster Cathedral.

In terms of chant books and resources, see my post about top tools for TLM musicians!

Do you know Credo IV?

Credo IV

A straightforward video post today. Here is the beautiful Credo IV performed by Schola Una Voce a few months ago. I first heard this setting of the creed in an album recorded by Westminster Cathedral Choir and particularly loved the organ accompaniment. There is just something heavenly about a major subdominant in mode I!

Lucis Creator Optime, Sunday Vespers

After a break for the summer, Sung Vespers and Benediction recommences at Immaculate Heart Parish this week at 4.45pm on Sunday.

Vespers and Benediction are a perfect opportunity to continue our thanksgiving after Mass in the morning and to participate in more of the liturgical prayer of the Church.

For what to expect, click here. For insights into the connection between Mass and Vespers click here.

To whet your appetite, here is the hymn for Vespers on Sundays after Epiphany and after Pentecost, Lucis Creator Optime. Written by Pope St Gregory the Great in the second half of the 6th century, this hymn speaks of the first day of creation with the Vespers hymns for the rest of the week following likewise.

Continue reading “Lucis Creator Optime, Sunday Vespers”

Feast of the Assumption: Ave Maris Stella, Marcel Dupré

Blessed be Her Glorious Assumption! 

On this feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I wish to share the hymn from Second Vespers ‘Ave Maris Stella.’ This hymn dates back to the 11th century and is of unknown origin, although it is often attributed to St Bernard. It is, however, a much later rendering that I write of here, that of Marcel Dupre.

Continue reading “Feast of the Assumption: Ave Maris Stella, Marcel Dupré”

Top tools for TLM Music Directors

Life for church musicians and music directors is hectic. Often musicians are volunteers and balance work, family and church commitments while striving for the best quality of music for the liturgy. The demand of the liturgy is staggering. Secular choirs that I have worked with will take several months to prepare a concert, while we produce a whole hours worth of material every week!

Continue reading “Top tools for TLM Music Directors”