In many of my HYMN OF THE MONTH write-up’s, I have mentioned with much affection St. Mary’s Choir, of Akron, Ohio. I have included bits and pieces about the organist and choir members from time to time. As I grow older, and Christmas or Easter comes around, I remember them even more and so I thought I would take the time to share a little history and a few anecdotes with you while I am still able. Please take a moment to read about St. Mary’s Choir as I remember them and listen to some wonderful recordings.
Don, what a wonderful privilege to have worked and sung with that special group. Thank you for sharing this with us. In the last few weeks, I have lost two people who were significant to me in my musical journey. I think these losses are so much more poignant at this time of year, when we are surrounded by all the great music that we shared with colleagues and mentors. Hopefully they are playing and singing all this great music before the heavenly altar and may we one day be privileged to sing with them again. I wish I could make it to Akron to help sing this great tradition to life again in your beautiful church. Unlikely to happen, but know that we are trying to build similar memories at our own parishes and hopefully will get to sing with you someday on the farther, better shore.
Don9of11 Thank you for sharing all of this! I know I am going to have a lot of fun going through it all.
I was interested to see that you list four versions of Salve, Pater, Salvatoris and we sing yet another one which is from the Marist Brothers' "American Catholic Hymnal" and to my ear, sounds rather Italian https://hymnary.org/hymn/ACH1913/372
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