It's not just the stems - it's the mismatch between note values in the melody and the whole notes at the end of measures to the organist who is desperately trying to accompany - she or he, this is not a gender-specific problem, has been trained that notes are to fill measures and these fall short. This may be a picky little thing, but I see the original one you did being much clear for the organist who knows little or nothing about chant.

The next version is definitely closer to chant....but to someone new, not clear at all. The training level of Catholic organists is woefully low, especially since they are expected to play accompaniments for modern popular music styles which are not adapted for the organ nor even playable in some cases.

I can see a definite need for both being available. You do beautiful work.

From another blog:

"There seems to be a strong emphasis on plainchant for singing the parts of the Mass, and the translation looks as though it would be difficult to set to metered music. I come from a small parish with not much musical ability, how are we supposed to encourage the congregation to learn and sing plainchant with anything like the enthusiasm with which they participate in more singable music?"

Chant is being described as requiring musical ability, something that people normally enthusiastic about singing (are we talking about Catholics here?) would not want or be able to sing tied into the "We are a small parish." bag.

Chant IS metered, it's just subtle and not lock-stepped meter. The thinking is that chant is suited only for the pros - we've got to dispel that notion. Authoritative versions are needed, but we need to build a base of support by making chant as accessible as it is and always has been.

Let's build the simple base.

I really don't want to fan the flames over there, just came across this and thought it was a good picture of what the thinking is among people that helps us set our sights on what we want to accomplish. So much of the music, as you have discovered, is so hard to sing, much less sing well, that what we are behind is easy in comparison.

ICEL Greeting

Download Score

Hear Composer Perform

On its way.

I gave copies of the ICEL Ordinary parts to the pastor this morning. He seemed quite pleased to have them. There is hope. :-)

hmmm... i guess you could eliminate the celebrants accomp and it would still work just as well. the trick is always keeping on pitch a cappella.

actually, i think maybe the option of playing a perfect fifth A-E would work well too.

lol

yes

instructions:

either play or drink a perfect fifth as an alternate accompinament to the chant of the priest.

the third and final option is otherwise known as the "alius bibendum cantus"

These are all very good, Noel....thank you so much.

Might you have a way in your engraving software that would allow you to remove the stems of the notes? My concern is that, for organists who may not be familiar with unmetrical, modal music, that they may attempt to play it in strict meter....

Adam S.

Dear Noel:
Thank you for these accompaniments. They are beautifully done, and I very well may use them. Thank you for your time and work.


http://www.gregoryhamilton.org

Has anyone set the Our Father?

I am curious if anyone has used Noel's guitar arrangements with any success?

While we're at it, has anyone ever done any of these with handbells underneath at key places?