https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/categories/general-discussion-music/feed.rss Sun, 10 May 26 23:37:11 +0000 General Music Discussion - MusicaSacra Church Music Forum en-CA https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23382/field-report-st.-mary039s-cathedral-of-the-immaculate-conception-portland-or Mon, 04 May 2026 17:21:12 +0000 Adam Wood 23382@/forum/discussions
I don't have my program with me as I type this, so I can't provide a complete list of music, but...

It was really good, y'all.

Chanted Propers in English + Solid traditional hymns
Ordinary plainchant from the Missal (sung unaccompanied and very robustly by the large, diverse congregation)

Choir was AMAZING on a lovely contemporary setting of the "I am the Way" text of the Gospel (I'll find the name of the piece and composer later).

[EDIT: It was In My Father's House by Philip Stopford]

Organist was excellent.

Just, overall, a really beautiful sacred music experience that showed off what the Novus Ordo liturgy can be at it's best. And, while certainly the volume/complexity of the choral repertoire and the quality of the performance is hard to achieve outside the resources of a cathedral, the basic shape of what was going on would be achievable in nearly any parish, and wouldn't (I think) be off-putting or alienating even to congregations unused to Traditional Liturgy: everything was in the vernacular (except the Sanctus and the Agnus Dei), the congregational hymns were easy to sing, the chanted propers were largely syllabic and easy to understand, the Missal chants should be deep in the bones of any English-speaking Catholic. Indeed a "Spirit of Vatican Two" partisan would have to stretch to find anything objectionable about it (not that some of those types aren't particularly flexible when the rhetorical situation calls for it). Actually, I'm sure it would be some of the more hardcore trad types who would have more complaining to do ("Hymns?!"), but they need hobbies and perspective. This was a normal Mass for normal people, while absolutely being Holy Things for Holy People.

The music director Angela Westhoff-Johnson, as well as Archbishop Sample and rector Msgr. O’Connor, are to be commended for leading by example.]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23399/best-english-masses Sun, 10 May 2026 01:54:07 +0000 novusgordo 23399@/forum/discussions @JonDeuling inquired about English-language settings of the Order of Mass. I too have been asking this question a great deal of late as I try to put together a parish Kyriale.

So far, I have one recommendation to offer: Mass of the Parishes, composed by Victor Togni and adapted to the new liturgical texts by Dr. Jerzy Cichocki. (Those of you familiar with the CCCB's Catholic Book of Worship II may remember the original version fondly.)

But I'd love to get further recommendations from people here. (Bonus points if the copyrights aren't held by GIA, given how difficult licensing anything from them tends to be!)]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23401/corpus-christi-sequence Sun, 10 May 2026 17:45:23 +0000 iMalton 23401@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23395/the-proper-chants-should-be-heard-at-every-weekend-mass Thu, 07 May 2026 18:00:05 +0000 deo27 23395@/forum/discussions Reasons given for omitting the proper chants at Mass:

1. We don’t have enough time in the Mass.
2. It is awkward to include the introit/offertory chant with the hymns we already sing.
3.They are too hard.
4.The parish musician and/or the choir/cantors don’t know how to read nuemes.
5. Chant doesn’t fit with our ‘style’ of music.

A response…

1. Most of the antiphons are short, comprised of just a few sentences. They can be lengthened by adding psalm verses but it is not required.
2. There are various ways to accomplish this.
3. There are chant books of all levels, many available for free. Psalm tones can be used as an alternative to published settings.
4. Not all proper chant settings are written with neumes.
5. "The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services."

Proper Chant Resources:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6zunfims8rrzrsd0ky1or/AEds9IGRt_kB-7oegqmQTXw?rlkey=pp3netb6kk1bmlh3xs2wftt16&st=5bkrjkli&dl=0

]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23394/collection-of-short-fanfares Thu, 07 May 2026 16:50:29 +0000 trentonjconn 23394@/forum/discussions
I am in the habit of playing something fanfare-esque as the gospel procession returns to the chancel. Do any of you know of a collection of (simple, brief) fanfares that might suit these purposes? I mostly improvise currently, but my improv is not as good as a composed piece and I'd like some to fall back on every here and there. Yes, I've already nabbed a good few off of imslp. Thanks!]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23373/organchoral-music-database-link-attached Fri, 01 May 2026 23:32:09 +0000 deo27 23373@/forum/discussions
In the organ section, there are lots of alternate harmonizations, repertoire from various composers, hymn tune-based compositions, chant-based works, and transcriptions from sacred oratorios/cantatas.

In the choral section, you will find various settings of popular texts, some barn burners, and newer works. I’ve recently added a section on the proper chants to include music that is both for Anglicans and Catholics. There is also a reduced score of the Messiah choral parts.

I hope this is a useful resource for you.


https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/20gn9uarh4dnmyyg4ap7z/AMiYi5CkuI8C5ufPMTBTeEc?rlkey=hoov6rlgiqz5ith356hzyo532&st=dgstbxxh&dl=0
]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23385/christmas-2026-youth-choir-planning Tue, 05 May 2026 01:16:19 +0000 magistraelizabeth 23385@/forum/discussions Creator Alme Siderum
Praetorius Jubilate Deo canon
Kantor Ave Maria as a partner song with the full chant at the start and end and students on strings
Dormi Dormi
All congregational Angels from the Realms of Glory

This Christmas, I will also have a couple of older boys whose voices have dropped. I'll have them in some songs and others probably keep it children and treble voices. I am also our middle grades Latin teacher and we like to sing Latin.

So far I am planning a treble version of the William Crotch Magnificat for the oldest girls. It is a three part SSA arrangement arranged by my high school choral teacher and it's lovely. I hope they'll pick it up quickly and rock it! I am going to do Gaudete with a mix of Latin and English verses and handbells using all voices. I am considering teaching them Alma Redemptoris Mater since it's the only Marian antiphon my students don't know yet and it's meant for Advent and Christmastide. Now - I need suggestions for something similar to the Kantor Ave (piano accompaniment with possibility for strings, heartfelt, moving, etc) and for the Dormi Dormi (a little lively, youthful, but still fairly traditional and pretty). Closing all-sing carol suggestion would be welcome, too! Is there Rutter for children's voices? Anyone ever do The Colors of Christmas?

Thanks in advance!
]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23391/stopford039s-spirit-of-the-lord-full-score Wed, 06 May 2026 18:33:57 +0000 tandrews 23391@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23349/women-cantors-ef-divine-office Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:56:04 +0000 DOAdvocate 23349@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23389/chants-abreges-and-its-successor Wed, 06 May 2026 14:03:16 +0000 Palestrina 23389@/forum/discussions
Can anyone here account for this?]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23378/novus-ordo-mass-with-bishop Sun, 03 May 2026 16:24:10 +0000 TLMlover 23378@/forum/discussions
Is there anything special I need to do for a N.O. Mass with the Bishop? The GIRM doesn't really say much. This will not be a solemnity nor Confirmation, just a regular Mass in Ordinary Time.

Thanks in advance!
]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23372/ave-maria-august-de-boeck Fri, 01 May 2026 20:09:38 +0000 vansensei 23372@/forum/discussions https://youtu.be/A58TOcHG88U?si=11hEMct0_MXzWmwQ

This is really quite nice. Just discovered this about 10 minutes ago. The one measure of four-part women's divisi might be a problem for smaller choirs, though.]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23388/pentecost-hymn-latin-039veni-creator039-with-bach039s-music-039komm-gott-schoepfer-heiliger-geist039 Tue, 05 May 2026 19:08:39 +0000 Paolo 23388@/forum/discussions Maybe it could be useful for Pentecost.]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23383/financial-assistance-for-the-colloquium Mon, 04 May 2026 18:32:27 +0000 Susdem 23383@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23377/appalachian-easter-troparion Sun, 03 May 2026 13:58:46 +0000 Jehan_Boutte 23377@/forum/discussions
I recently found this recording of the Byzantine rite Easter Troparion, sung in an "Appalachian-style" way: https://youtu.be/ZLAV_X5EwGk

What do you think?]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23367/sacred-music-sabbatical Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:41:12 +0000 CatholicPriest 23367@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23380/in-search-of-liturgical-chant-propers Mon, 04 May 2026 01:29:25 +0000 NoahLovins 23380@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23376/iso-accompaniment-for-ave-maris-stella-lajos-bardos Sun, 03 May 2026 02:27:28 +0000 Abbysmum 23376@/forum/discussions
Thanks]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23374/new-first-communion-hymn-jesus-make-my-heart-your-garden Sat, 02 May 2026 14:27:50 +0000 Don9of11 23374@/forum/discussions
The hymn’s imagery and text were inspired by the traditional nine-day First Communion novena by Fr. George M. Dennerle and Sr. Mary Magdela, S.N.D.. It utilizes symbolic "heart-garden" language to help children internalize the virtues of purity and readiness as they approach the Eucharist.

For those interested in the full spiritual preparation, you can find the 9-day novena within the Preparing to Welcome Jesus booklet on my Hymn of the Month page here: Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns.

While the hymn's personal, prayerful voice places it in the devotional category, it is fully Christocentric and doctrinally sound for use within the Mass. I specifically envision it being used as a Communion Meditation after the children and the assembly have received the Sacrament.

The music for the hymn is an older melody "Mother Dearest, Mother Fairest". It’s from an earlier time, “my time” and the hymns lyrics offers an insight into the preparation of the pastoral and imaginative framework that shaped the religious experience of the children of St. Mary’s where I grew up.

The hymn also includes:
A May Crowning Verse: Specifically for liturgies that coincide with May devotions.
A Final Doxology: A Trinitarian conclusion to bring the congregation together in praise.

I have attached a PDF of the score and an instrumental MP3 for your reference. I would welcome any thoughts on its implementation in your parishes.

In Christ,
Don Howe


]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23366/ave-regina-caelorum-organ-setting Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:59:09 +0000 Gaudium 23366@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23368/hymn-of-the-month-may-the-mystagogy-of-little-white-guest Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:06:03 +0000 Don9of11 23368@/forum/discussions
Please take a moment to read and explore this important piece of Catholic musical history.

Please visit Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and read The Mystagogy of Little White Guest

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/little-white-guest-hymn-history/
]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23276/do-congregations-prefer-the-contemporary-slop Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:28:09 +0000 Jonathan_Culbreath 23276@/forum/discussions
By and large, the parish has been very receptive to the direction that I’ve taken the music program here. I’ve received hardly any grief about it; occasionally people do wistfully long for what they’re familiar with, and usually that’s more contemporary stuff from OCP or wherever, but occasionally it’s a classic like Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, or Lift High the Cross, which they love. But I feel like I should be doing something more to encourage them to refamiliarize themselves with the huge reservoir of traditional hymnody. ]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/22535/veni-sancte-spiritus-in-english-traditional-melody Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:59:45 +0000 TLMlover 22535@/forum/discussions
Is anybody going with a non-traditional chant melody for Veni Sancte Spiritus? I'm singing it in English, and have found an alternate chant melody which I like, and the English setting is better (IMO) than the usual translation. What is the general consensus on using alternate melodies to traditional chants? How about alternate translations?

I'm not sure many parishioners even recognize the usual Veni Sancte Spiritus, so from their point of view it probably doesn't matter. But I'd like to know what fellow musicians think.

Thanks in advance!

]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23357/transitus-service Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:27:58 +0000 StimsonInRehab 23357@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23356/consecration-to-the-sacred-heart Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:34:54 +0000 Cmanfro 23356@/forum/discussions Does anyone have hymn or motet recommendations or resources that focus on the Sacred Heart of Jesus?]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/22861/bragers-proprium-sanctorum Sun, 12 Oct 2025 07:11:30 +0000 Palestrina 22861@/forum/discussions
If not, does anyone know of anything written in a similar style? That is, Solesmes rhythmic markings throughout and a three voice, self contained and largely 'hands off' accompaniment?

I'm aware of NOH but the absence of the Solesmes rhythmic markings is a non-starter. I certainly don't have time to put them in myself.]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23112/transcriptions-from-the-nova-organi-harmonia Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:17:08 +0000 chonak 23112@/forum/discussions Asperges me and Vidi aquam. I've been working on similar scores for some of the Mass ordinaries, and hope to do the same for all the ones we use. The scores are produced using Lilypond and LaTeX software.

(An improved version is below.)]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19659/icel-litany-of-saints-with-petitions Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:07:31 +0000 Vilyanor 19659@/forum/discussions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23171/singers-with-wobbly-vibrato-can-they-hear-what-they-sound-like Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:01:56 +0000 SponsaChristi 23171@/forum/discussions
I don’t mean to be mean, but do people who sing like that know they sing like that, know it doesn’t sound good, and actively work to try to fix it?]]> https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23146/teaching-pacing-for-reciting-tones Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:12:31 +0000 tandrews 23146@/forum/discussions