My copy arrived today, and I'm having to force myself to put it down. By the way, the book is very expensive, and this is too bad because one way or another it seems very clear to me that this book is going to have a huge influence in the future. I can't think of another book that so completely, comprehensively, rigorously, and clearly treats all the issues that confront Catholic musicians today. He makes no claims that he does not document at great length, and he goes to such lengths not for purely polemical reasons but to help the reader. It sure helps me. For example, when he argues that vernacular hymnody has a long history in Catholic Mass, I'm skeptical but he makes his point through a long and fascinating tour of counter-reformation hymn books and contemporary reports, even as he points out the extent to which the conventional practice differs from the norms in place.

What are the themes that I'm picking up? He doubts the merit of the PX reform and believes that it is longing for an ideal that never existed and probably shouldn't exist. At the same time, he argues for a high and liturgical and exclusive role for the choir -- which is very important. He suggests ways that the Gregorian propers can be used at the ordinary form -- and here his comments are 100% connected with everything I've experienced. He sees the Introit, Offertorio, and Communio as viable in every parish. He points out that a full polyhponic Mass is permitted by Musicam Sacram. At the same time, he has the broadest possible view of what it means to preserve our heritage, one that includes vernacular hymnody and strophic hymns of all sorts.

Ok, so the author (if he reads this) will guess that I cheated and read the end, which I did, but I promise to read every word of this massive book, which will not be a difficult task because, as I say, he speaks to all the issues that we all care about.

We might have regrets that the book was written before the Motu Proprio. I would like to see how the BXVI reforms might have changed his perspective -- given the famed gravitational pull. And yet it seems clear that Fr. Ruff, when writing this, was working toward making this gravitational pull happen even without the MP.

I urge you to get a copy and begin to tackle this book, which sadly is $95 but it still strikes me as a book that must be owned.