All Discussions - MusicaSacra Forum

Life Teen Video by Father Robert Schreiner

canadash — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:01:53 -0600

If you have time to watch, I'm interested in your comments. This worries me. Does anyone know anything about him?

British Columbia, Canada, Sacred Music Scene?

JonDeuling — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:54:24 -0600

Question: I'm from British Columbia, Canada, and want to consider whether or not God is calling me to be involved in progressing in the study, practice, performance of sacred music. What do y'all suggest? I'm an ear trained musician with the bare minimum of theory behind me, however, I've a heart full of inspiration for these wonderful old forms of great music. I'd love to make some friends of Sacred Music involvement, too, if you're in BC or close by! Thanks

Jon

SEP organ/choral accompaniments

ryand — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:31:10 -0700

UPDATE: Dec 31, 2011
(original message included at bottom of post)

There is an improved format from the 2nd Sunday of Christmas and beyond (I will edit the others when the year circles back around). The most notable difference is that there are no longer simple/complex, now they are organ/choral.
I'm much happier with the results of these.

The two versions are also entirely compatible! It would be possible to sing, for example:
-Antiphon in unison
-Antiphon in unison, with organ
-Cantor on verse, organ accomp
-Antiphon in unison, with organ
-Cantor on verse, organ accomp
-Antiphon CHORAL, with organ

I have also added the mode at the upper left of each. The low/high keys should remain relatively consistent, so an antiphon in mode V in the low key will match any other.

Also new:
GLORY BE accompaniments are separate, and a little "fuller" than the other psalm/verse accompaniment.
They'll be labelled according to mode and low/high key, so that you can pair them with the setting you are using for the day. If you are singing an Introit in mode V, low key, then the Glory Be under the same category will be compatible.

I am including these week-to-week, as needed. Once all the modes are covered then I'll consolidate them into one file for each key.

Pax,
-Ryan

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ORIGINAL POST
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(Applies until Mary, Mother of God. New format starts at 2nd Christmas)

Two versions, simple and complex, as well as two keys are provided. There are two measures at the end of each which will provide harmony for the verses, but you will need to reference the SEP page for the lyrics and tones.

As I hope to preserve the integrity of Adam Bartlett's art in composing these, I ask that you take a moment to read these performance notes:

The simple versions will probably work better with larger ensembles, or where cantor & organist are two different people. The complex ones are easily executed by a single cantor/organist, or with adequate rehearsal between different individuals. Attempting this presents a strong potential pitfall, and so I note the stylistic necessity of avoiding "metric" performance. Not every "quarter" note is equal! Always defer to the rhythm of the text. I have notated them with quarter/half notes only for the visual of the sustained tones. You will find that in the Gregorian notation of the originals, the half notes are either dotted or doubled. It might be helpful to practice with the Gregorian notation first, and only once that natural rhythm of the text is established in your ears, add the accompaniment. The point I wish to stress is that these are never intended to be performed metrically. Interpret the rhythm in light of the text.

It was also mentioned in the first thread (I decided to start a cleaner one) that these might be used for a choir. I think that is a fine idea, keeping in mind all that has already been stated regarding interpretation. My only hesitation is that it may begin to sound like a "choral" piece, rather than the chanted style in which this collection was written to be sung. I can imagine it working quite well, I just urge great care in the interpretation of it. It might be effective to do the antiphon in unison the first time or two, and then introduce the choral harmony.

The complex versions could be quite beautiful with unaccompanied choir, but even the simple could be effective. I'd suggest in either option that the sustained tones become repeated tones, so that all voices sing all syllables... even if it is that the cantor moves and the choir repeats a single chord, but while following the text.

In all of these options, let us remember that unaccompanied, unison chant is the ideal. I (obviously) have no qualms with accompaniment or harmony, but we must always be mindful of these things as peripheral to the chant itself, and not let any of it distract.

I hope that these prove useful to you, and to the widespread use of the Simple English Propers.

New SSA setting of Ascension Communio,"Psallite Domino" with Gregorian cantus firmus.

CHGiffen — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:35:28 -0600

As promised elsewhere, I'm attaching my new composition Psallite Domino, for SSA voices a cappella. After an opening "Alleluia" the Gregorian melody of the Antiphon appears in the Mezzo-Soprano part, in a tapestry of wordless Soprano and Alto harmonies. The Psalm verses are set, simply, using the usual Gregorian Tone I chant, but with an added lower (alto) part.

In the attached MP3 sound file, the Antiphon appears with the ending intended to precede verses, followed by the two-part harmonized psalm tone, and a repeat of the Antiphon with the final ending.

Except for the opening Alleluia, I have (at least until now) left the Soprano and Alto parts wordless and recommend that they be sung using either "Ah" or "Ooh" – the emphasis is on the Gregorian chant and its text underlay.

Psalms with antiphons

CindyCecilia — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:18:16 -0600

I am confused about which psalms are to be used for which antiphons. Is there a list of acceptable psalms for each antiphon? I have seen the same antiphon from different composers which use different psalms. For example, for Ascension, I have seen the communion antiphon with Psalm 34 and with Psalm 78. Is there a guide for this? Thanks!

Ave Maria for Baritone Solo and SSATTBB

taurus86iv — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:17:24 -0600

Hello all,

I wanted to share with you an "Ave Maria" I wrote nearly two years ago now that was performed on my masters recital at UT last April. I'm not sure what your choir's capabilities are, but perhaps it would be useful for your music program.

A link of the performance is available at

Let me know if you are interested in seeing the score.

Best,
Alvez

Improving Congregational Singing

SJBCmusic — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:36:33 -0600

What's the best way for musicians to encourage congregational singing? We have a fine choir, two excellent scholas, good cantors, and a terrific new organ, but our congregational singing is absolutely abysmal, even by Catholic standards. I've tried everything I can think of and am at wit's end.

The notion of "listening to the cantor sing" seems to be what people here associate with "hymn singing." In recent months, I have gone back to having the cantor announce the hymns instead of only putting them in the program, but many people refuse to pick up their programs or open their hymnals. I have also instructed the cantors to back away from the mic after the first phrase. This has resulted in complaints: "We can't hear the cantor anymore" or "The organ's too loud" (foundations 8' and 4'; generally no upperwork or reeds!). My reply is always, very politely, "The congregation is supposed to be singing, not listening to a solo by the cantor."

As far as I can tell, we're doing everything possible to encourage singing. We have a complete printed program each weekend with all congregational hymns and Mass parts clearly indicated; these are handed out by the ushers as people arrive. We generally do solid, familiar hymns in comfortable keys, along with Gregorian chant. The hymns are listed in the program and are also announced, and the intro is always long enough for people to find their place in the book.

As a rule, we use the Rice entrance antiphons and psalms, and hymns at the offertory, Communion, and postcommunion (hymn of praise). The ordinary for Eastertide has been Mass VIII with the Lee Congregational Mass Gloria at the non-choir Masses. We've also sung the simple Regina caeli at the end of all Masses since Easter, but after six weeks, still little participation. For funerals we still get plenty of requests for the "Eagle's Wings" and "Here I Am" style of music, but nobody sings along with that either.

The only exceptions have been during Lent. At Stations of the Cross with Benediction, the people sing the Stabat Mater, O salutaris (in Latin), Tantum ergo (also in Latin), and one stanza of "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name," and there is no cantor at this service. But when we do "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" at Mass, there's the usual silence downstairs. For the RCIA Rite of Election, the singing was very good, but we had a full house and they're mostly converts from Protestant churches.

Any suggestions? I'm considering reducing my organ registrations to something barely adequate to accompany the cantor. At least then nobody can complain that the organ's too loud when the congregation's supposed to be singing. Every weekend I feel like I'm accompanying an imaginary congregation and hoping for the best downstairs, but there are no signs of improvement. As long as we're giving people the "opportunity" to sing, the clergy don't seem to care whether they actually do or not.

Music for Confirmation Mass

Musicteacher56 — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:42:53 -0600

I need some new music for Confirmation and was wondering what most of you are using. I have a baritone, a mezzo, and the children's choir singing. This is my pastor's first Confirmation and we have a new Bishop, so anything you can suggest would be appreciated. Please keep it simple. Thanks for much.

Organist Moving to Norman, OK

taurus86iv — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:09:45 -0600

Hello all,

I will be moving to Norman, OK in August to study for my MM in Organ at OU. I have nearly 12 years of organ experience in the church as well as some experience in conducting choirs. I am interested in positions in Norman and the OKC area. Resumes and References available upon request.

Thanks for your help!
Alvez

Confusion about how to sing the Gregorian Alleluia

JMO — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:28:15 -0600

I am thinking of expanding on this, since it can be confusing:

http://www.ccwatershed.org/blog/2012/may/14/how-sing-gregorian-alleluia/

But at least I have a start!

Gregorio Web App with GUI - "Illuminare Score Editor"

Adam Bartlett — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:57:47 -0700

Over the past several months, Benjamin Bloomfield and I have developed a web application for the processing of Gregorio GABC. We have now made available a public facing installation of this app for general use:

http://illuminarepublications.com/gregorio/

There are some variable items, but much of the styling is preset to common practice conventions. Note the live GUI and the ability to play back scores via MIDI. This is the beginning of something wonderful, I think.

Please report bugs or make feature requests on this thread.

Organist moving to HOUSTON, TX - July 2012

Gavin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:18:52 -0600

I will be moving to the Houston area this coming July, likely in the first half of the month, to pursue graduate study. I'm looking for work in the area, so I thought I'd briefly advertise myself to anyone interested. Or if you just want to meet up and hang out, that's fun too! (I've already met some of you there)

I am an experienced and frankly quite talented organist with a Bachelor of Music in performance. I am also a decent bass, with a year of lessons. I'm comfortable in churches of all denominations, including (of course) Catholic.

What I'm looking for
Any churches hiring for part-time positions - any denomination, any position, preferably $15K+
Substitute work
Choral singing opportunities - paid or unpaid!
Recitals - I love to perform! Again, paid or unpaid!

I am currently in a job search and have applications out, though I'm still eager to hear of any leads anyone has. For substituting, I do NOT do the "sing and play" thing, and I will accept the parish's regular fee, within reason. I will be available for Sundays and weekdays, and am willing to drive up to an hour outside of Houston.

I can be contacted on here - simply click on my name, and then click "Send Gavin a message" on the left. Thanks, all!

Harmony with Kids

EGrimm — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:10:33 -0600

I am a rookie teacher and would love some suggestions for:

1. How to teach children (ages 6-13) to sing in parts. I have had some success with canons. Any other tips?

2. Two or three part songs for Mass or for a Christmas performance.

Thanks!

First outing with Frogman's Choral Anthology: Yahoo!

Charles in CenCA — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:43:54 -0600

We (Schola) knew we wouldn't have an SATB quorum for rehearsal last week, but we've been together for almost 20 yrs.
Anyhow, as we knew that our Catholic Daughters would have May Crowning for the first time at our early Mass, plus the English Propers of Bartlett and Rice, to Cantate Domino and Jubilate Deo were begging(!) I thought it time to take the second case of the Anthology over to the church (one set there, one set at rehearsal room. Coming off the discussion of the Pitoni in other threads, combined with the stalwart Arcadelt AM, plus a St. Gregory chestnut, we were set.
What I didn't know outta the gate about the Pitoni (in SATB rather than the SAB reduction) was the tessitura was so sweet for tenors! Holding the substantial volume, even in softcover, was a joy and felt classy. The Pitoni had a maturity and natural flow without all of the editorial flotsam of the old, "romantic" octavo. Then the Arcadelt! The text re-assignments alone made it a supreme joy, made it (like the Pitoni) a new read in a very real sense. And then (as we're essentially sight-singing the arrangement comes this grand pause I've never encountered in any other version, of course at the end of the first half of the prayer. Talk about Jesus making all things new again. Not only dignified, so plump and rife with opportunities for choirs of all sizes to hone their skills and uplift the hearts of all.
Oh, imagine what places we'll go when we actually rehearse pieces!
Thanks, Noel. And I will check to see if the cheque is in the mail!

Church in Memphis, TN?

Heath — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:37:04 -0600

I'll be in Memphis May 26-27 for a bachelor party. *Can someone recommend a church for me to attend Sunday morning?* I'll be staying downtown, near Beale street.

"Modernization"

amanda.palister — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:35:27 -0700

I'm sure that this has been hashed and re-hashed on this forum, however being relatively new and having only elicited 4 search results....I've bravely started my first thread. Gasp.

In response to feedback (read: demands) from parishioners to bring back "the favorites" (we had somewhat of a liturgical overhaul several years ago) our new management is "modernizing" one of our regular Masses.

How does one strike a balance between theological accuracy, keeping the liturgy sacred, and reaching the people on a visceral level, inspiring them to deepen their faith? What are some "safer" modern songs to start out with?

Mandee

Anyone have an organ accompaniment for OFFERTORY " Viri Galilaéi " ??

JMO — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:57:00 -0600

The ORDO CANTUS MISSAE (and hence Greg. Missal) added an optional chant called "Viri Galilaéi."

Anyone have an organ accompaniment for this?

Optional • Offertory (Acts 1: 11)

Viri Galilaéi, quid admirámini aspiciéntes in caelum? Hic Jesus, qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, quemádmodum vidístis eum ascendéntem in cælum, allelúia.

Men of Galilee, why do you gaze at the sky in astonishment? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will come by the very way in which you saw him go into heaven, alleluia.

Breath marks, quarter bars, half bars

Carl D — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:32:29 -0600

I occasionally see square notation with the addition of "comma" breath marks - including compositions by our esteemed colleagues here. But I haven't seen a description of how it's to be interpreted differently from a quarter or half bar.

What's the difference?

Accompanist/organist moving from CA to KY

Charles in CenCA — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:14:21 -0600

Dear Colleagues,
I'm losing a very valuable member of my "team" in late June. She is a teacher in our parochial school who also is on staff in the church as an accompanist. She has been a former DM in a Methodist church before converting more than a decade ago, does play organ (pedals) though primarily serves as a pianist, sings in my schola and ensemble, and is great people and wonderful Christian. She will be living in Alexandria, Kentucky after her move.
If you're interested, contact me through the "Inbox" feature herein.

Simple congregational Credo (English)

CHGiffen — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:15:28 -0600

Attached is a setting of the Credo (English language), suitable for congregational singing, written in a style that is common to Eastern rite churches. Although the score is SATB (and should, ideally, be sung a cappella), it may be chanted in unison, especially when the congregation is first learning it. It is quite similar to a setting of the Gloria which I composed and used almost 30 years ago when I was in charge of music for a "traditional" mass at a university parish which had several Eastern rite Catholic and Orthodox people in the congregation. I prepared this after reading a posting in the Chant Cafe about the usage of a sung Credo at Mass.

Edit: I uploaded a corrected version of the score (fixing the text underlay), and later yet another correction!
And (May 15th) a final correction!!!

How would you handle this email?

lmassery — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:25:33 -0600

I just don't know what to do with something like this email my priest/employer got about me. This person is very involved in the parish. It wasn't send to me but Fr. forwarded it to me, so I don't think it is my place to respond. What would you do? This kind of thing happens A LOT at my parish.

Hello Fr. ____,
In scanning the Sunday Bulletin on line today I am VERY disappointed on the songs chosen for Mother's Day and the month of May being Mary's month.
Luke told me we'd have Mary songs this weekend. Well I guess he does not have any idea what a Mary song is.
Be Joyful Mary is the entrance song -- has anyone ever heard this song before???
I am very tempted to go to another church tomorrow so I can actually enjoy the day.

What happen to Ave Maria or Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above?

And don't tell me the choir is singing a Mary song for the offertory. That won't cu it .
The mothers in the church want to sing a song they know and love and we are not given that chance at St. ______ masses. Shame on Luke.

Alleluia and Gradual are haphazard ?

JMO — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:51:56 -0600

This is from MASS AND VESPERS (Solemes, 1957):

My understanding is that Dr. Mahrt and other modern scholars have challenged this view.

NOH and a half diminished seventh chord

JMO — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:45:47 -0600

The NOH accompaniment for the ASCENSION has a half diminished seventh chord:

Believe it or not, they are usually allowed, while Dominant Sevenths are totally forbidden by most (don't tell Peter Wagner or Max Springer!).

Learn more:

http://www.ccwatershed.org/liturgy/feast/ascension-b-in-some-dioceses-this-replaces-the-7th-sunday-of-easter,173/

Free Sacred Music Resources for the Feast of the Ascension (Year B)

JMO — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:33:18 -0600

Free Sacred Music Resources for the Feast of the Ascension (Year B)

including the Simple English Psalm Tones

Who sings the propers?

Adam Schwend — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:08 -0600

One thing that the internet has done for the Reform of the Reform movement is to show us that we are not alone...that we aren't an island unto ourselves. I know that has truly edified me in what I do.

So, with that in mind, I'd love to hear where around the world the propers are actually SUNG and from what source.

I'll get the ball rolling. At Our Lady Star of the Sea in Bremerton, WA, the Introit, Offertory, and Communion are sung at two of the four Masses. At one Mass from the Simple English Propers, at the other from the Graduale Romanum. The weekly school Mass also uses the Simple English Propers.

Synthesizing Keyboard

Musicteacher56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:58:40 -0600

We do not have an organ in our parish, but rather a synthesizing keyboard with various organ settings. I don't like it at all and feel it is very artificial, but at this point budgetary constraints are forbidding purchasing an organ for the church. I am doing a lot of hymns and accompanied chant. Can anybody give me any suggestions as to how to get this instrument to sound more like a church organ? The former director is big in praise and worship music and purchased it for that purpose. Now that we have a more organ-friendly pastor, I am doing more and more organ music (and ridding the parish of anything OCP). We will go to the Adoremus hymnal over the summer. Also, the sound in our church leaves a lot to be desired and sometimes the organ settings on the keyboard sound very tinny and hokey. I've tried many different things, but nothing seems to relieve the sound. Of course, I don't expect it to sound like a pipe organ, but surely, there is something that can help.

Hybrid Organs

PaixGioiaAmor — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:02:59 -0600

Do any of you have experience with so-called "hybrid" organs? Who are the best builders? I've heard that Rogers/Ruffatti are superior, but a friend who represents Johannes claims (obviously) that the Rogers technology is years outdated.

Our church may be looking at purchasing a new organ. The reality is that because of space limitations (the church wasn't built with a pipe organ in mind) and monetary limitations an all pipe instrument just won't be possible. But I'd at least like to put something with pipes in rather than go the all digital route.

Who do you think are the best in this area and why?

CantemusDomino.net reboot

Aristotle Esguerra — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:11:19 -0600

As a result of a security compromise that took place last weekend, CantemusDomino.net will need to be rebooted in its entirety. While this is not a bad thing in the long run, in the short term all files have been taken offline, so all link equity developed over nine years has been lost.

As I am able, I will reorganize the site to be more in line with the liturgical year, thus simplifying the process by which people search for my settings.

I don't know how many people visit the site on a regular basis anymore (I know that my numbers dipped once I tired of the pundit-blogging scene), and I don't know who uses my settings of liturgical texts. So…If you wish to be notified of the site's reinstatement, please let me know privately and I'll put you on an e-mail list when the site is completely redone.

And in the meantime, if you're looking for something that's not currently available online, please send me a message privately. Thanks.

Balancing a "just working wage" with serving the Church?

marajoy — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:32:27 -0600

Has anyone run into the problem of not wanting to be "taken advantage" of by the church you are working for, and not wanting to set a precedent for how much you should be paid, but also wanting to serve the Church in your free time?

How do you volunteer at a church (if you want to, and you see they could really use your help, and you have the time, but they don't have the money to pay you), especially when it's musically related, and you already work as a musician there?

You don't want them to think that they pay you so little b/c you are worth so little and don't do much work.
You don't want other musicians to be negatively affected by your salary and the amount of work you do. (For example, either you leave, or the priest goes to a different church- he could say to the next person, "well, my last guy did all this work for $x, so why can't you?" Or tell his priest buddies how much he pays you so they start to think they could get away with paying their musicians that little?)

I have more details to this "theoretical" situation, but I'm curious to hear some initial thoughts. :-)
WWYD?