Sunday, May 29, 2005

MUSIC for SUNDAY X at HOLY GHOST CHURCH

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Back to the calm, cool, and somewhat collective resorts of ORDINARY TIME!!!
Both choirs are now officially on summer break, but all voices are invited to come join me in the music room at Mass and lead the singing. It's a "come as you are" type deal. Rehearsals will resume around the vicinity of Labor Day. I'm very happy with the first year with the NEW choir. A special thanks to all adults and children that took part this year. I'm optimistic that the second year will bring bigger and better things to both choirs.

Anyways, as I post the music for June 5, 2005, I tend to post the Sundays of Ordinary Time simply by its Roman numeral - that is, for the 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the simple term of "Sunday X". The 11th Sunday (June 12) will be "Sunday XI", and so on.

So - without further adieu....

SUNDAY X
JUNE 5, 2005

All Masses with organ, and whoever comes to Mass :-)

Processional hymn: LOBE DEN HERREN - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Missalette, #25)
Psalm: Page - To the upright I will show the saving power of God
Alleluia: Mode VI
Offertory hymn: ABBOT'S LEIGH - God is love, let heav'n adore him (Music Issue, #425)
Music for the Liturgy of the Eucharist: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Communion hymn: Deiss - The Spirit of God rests upon me
Recessional hymn: ICH GLAUB AN GOTT - To Jesus Christ, our Sovereign King (Music Issue, #732)

+ In Christ,
BMP

Sunday, May 22, 2005

MUSIC for CORPUS CHRISTI at HOLY GHOST CHURCH

MAY 29, 2005
CORPUS CHRISTI (The Body and Blood of Christ)

4:30 (Sat.) and 7:30 (Sun.) - Me, myself, and I
9:00 - Junior Choir
10:30 - Senior Choir (Mass with conclude with Eucharistic Procession, followed by Benediction)

Introit (10:30): Tone 8
Processional: BICENTENNIAL - You satisfy the hungry heart (#342)
Gloria (10:30): Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Psalm: Alstott - Praise the Lord, Jerusalem (page 24, missalette)
Alleluia: Mode VI
Offertory: UNDE ET MEMORES - Lord, who at thy first Eucharist (#319)
Sanctus: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Mysterium: Tone 8 - When we eat this bread....
Amen: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Lord's Prayer: Chant setting in English
Agnus Dei: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Communion: Batastini/Berthier - Eat this Bread (#343)
Comm. Proper (10:30): Tone 8
Recessional (except 10:30): HYFRYDOL - Alleluia! sing to Jesus (#740)
Procession (10:30)
1) SWEET SACRAMENT - Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
2) NON DIGNUS - O Sacrament Most Holy
3) ADORO TE DEVOTE - Godhead here in hiding
Procession will be outdoors, circling the church.
Benediction follows:
4) Mode III - Tantum Ergo (in Latin)
5) GROSSER GOTT - Holy God, we praise thy Name

+In Christ, the Eucharistic Lord,
BMP

Saturday, May 21, 2005

TURNING TOWARDS THE LORD

A recent topic brought up in conversation with my pastor, and reading a few articles I hadn't seen until the installation of Pope Benedict XVI, though written while the Holy Father was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, is the Novus Ordo Missae, celebrated "ad Orientem".

Now, a literal explanation of "ad Orientem" is in order here. "Ad Orientem" is Latin for "to the East". However, in the context of liturgical prayer, we don't mean this as the 90 degree mark of the compass. Otherwise, many would be really celebrating, perhaps to the south, or maybe a couple of degrees short of north-northwest. What we really mean here is the Liturgical East - to the Lord (his native land, of course, is in the Middle East).

Until the Second Vatican Council, the Mass was celebrated with the priest facing the Lord - to the Crucifix or perhaps the Tabernacle (many traditionally built churches with high altars still keep the Tabernacle in the center of the high altar, if it hasn't yet been mistakenly been torn down). Since then, there was this big craze - the claim that Mass HAD TO be said with the priest facing the people.

Until this phenomenon came up:
http://www.adoremus.org/0405LiturgicalPrayer.html

You see, Mass CAN be said facing the people, but it doesn't have to be. The Council DID ask for free-standing altars, preferably away from the wall, "so that one can easily walk around the altar and celebrate facing the people." (translated from "Sacra Congregatio Rituum, Instructio ad exsecutionem Constitutionis de sacra Liturgia recte ordinandam 'Inter Oecumenici'", AAS 56 (1964): 898, no. 91.)

Incidentally, my pastor has been reading then-Cardinal Ratzinger's book, "The Spirit of the Liturgy". I may pick up that book soon myself.

I'm going to call the following paragraph to the article linked above to your attention:

"The rubrics of the renewed Missale Romanum of Pope Paul VI presuppose a common direction of priest and people for the core of the Eucharistic liturgy. This is indicated by the instruction that, at the Orate, fratres, the Pax Domini, the Ecce, Agnus Dei, and the Ritus conclusionis, the priest should turn towards the people. This would seem to imply that beforehand priest and people were facing the same direction, that is, towards the altar. At the priest's communion the rubrics say "ad altare versus", which would be redundant if the celebrant stood behind the altar facing the people anyway. This reading is confirmed by the directives of the General Instruction, even if they are occasionally at variance with the Ordo Missae. The third Editio typica of the renewed Missale Romanum, approved by Pope John Paul II on April 2000 and published in spring 2002, retains these rubrics."

So, with that in mind, how's this sound for a new pattern of the "ad orientem Novus Ordo Missae"?
Sign of the Cross and Greeting: facing the people
Penitential Rite or Sprinkling Rite, Gloria (if liturgically allowed), and Opening Prayer: facing the Lord
Readings and Homily: facing the people, at the pulpit (Note: the Psalm and Alleluia should still be sung from the ambo if possible)
Credo: facing the Lord
Prayer of the Faithful: priest facing the Lord (lector/commentator may use pulpit and face people to read the intercessions)
Orate Fratres: facing the people
Everything from the Prayer over the Gifts to the Agnus Dei inclusive: facing the Lord
Ecce Agnus Dei and (of course) the distribution of Communion: facing the people
Post Communion Prayer: facing the Lord
Final Blessing and Dismissal: facing the people

I can only guess that this COULD be the turnout eventually. But this can only be decided (and I will respect such decision) by (perhaps) Rome, particularly the Holy See.

And a note to the anonymous commenter on my latest "pet peeves" article - you mentioned unity. With the priest and people all praying directly to the Lord, this is a perfect example of fostering unity, a necessity called for in the GIRM.

+In Christ,
BMP

Thursday, May 19, 2005

HELP WANTED

Fr. Jeff Keyes, pastor of St. Edward's Church in Newark, CA, and author of "The New Gasparian" (which I often read), is seeking a music director. For details, click here.

+In Christ,
BMP

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

SOME OF THE LATEST LITURGICAL PET PEEVES

A sequel to LITURGICAL PET PEEVES AND MY RESPONSE TO THEM

In the previous article I linked above, I responded to other people's pet peeves. Now, here are a few of the pet peeves of my own.

Let's start with some of the terminology that's been used and abused as of late:

Gathering Song (in place of "Entrance Hymn" or "Processional Hymn")
The Institutio Generalis Missalis Romanis rightfully uses the term "Entrance Chant". Why? Because of the actual call at that time for the "Cantus Introitus" in the Roman Missal. It never calls for a "Gathering Song". It calls for the "Entrance Song" - not the entrance or gathering of the people into church (that should happen BEFORE Mass), but the entrance procession of the priest and other ministers entering to the altar. Those who remember the Tridentine Mass probably remember the dialog at the foot of the altar, based on Psalm 42(43), which starts "Introibo ad altare Dei" ("I will go to the altar of God"). "Introibo" is from the word "Introitus", meaning "Entrance".
This "Gathering" intelligence is typical of many a parish, unfortunately. It's just another sign that Holy Mass is a "focus on ME". Look at all the (so-called) hymns you see now in hymnals and count the times the word "Gather" is used. "Here we are".

Presentation (or Preparation) of the Gifts (in place of the "Offertory")
Many a time I've heard the announcment "Our presentation hymn is..." or "Our preparation hymn is..." NO NO NO!
The IGMR distincts the action taking place as the "Preparation of the Altar and Gifts" and the music being sung (correctly) as the "Offertory Song".
Self-centeredness in the liturgy can be observed when the "Presentation of the Gifts" means the a few select people get to go up and give the gifts of water, wine, ciborium, and even the big basket of money collected (in many cases), to the celebrant. The main focus should be the celebrant offering the bread and wine to God, so that they may become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Hymn of Sending Forth (or simply "Sending Hymn") (in place of the "Recessional")
Before I elaborate on this, let me remind you that the "Recessional Hymn" is STILL not part of the liturgy, with the exception of the Funeral Mass ("In Paradisum").
Now, the real "Sending Forth" is known as the "Dismissal", at which the priest says "The Mass is ended, go in peace" ("Ite, Missa est") and the people respond "Thanks be to God" ("Deo Gratias"). The hymn, added by custom, accompanies the procession out the door of the priest and ministers, not the sending forth of the people (see previous sentence) or the people heading out the door. The latter can be accompanied by a good organ postlude, and should not take place before the priest leaves. But again - another sign of self-centeredness in the liturgy. And the dang publishers (OCP in particular) use these terms in their planning aids ("Today's Liturgy"). So, guess what musicians and liturgists are exposed to.... you guessed it!

Here's another big turn off. I've been known to turn down jobs at any parish that refers to their church as the Worship Space. No more naves or sanctuaries these days. No more vestibules either. They're now Gathering Spaces. Here we go again with that dang "gathering" bit. You wanna shoot the breeze, do it outside - AFTER MASS! It just sounds so generic - just like the third verse of "All Are Welcome" cites: a "banquet hall on holy ground".

And what's so bad about receiving Holy Communion on the tongue??? Seriously! That's how I was taught (in 1971). At my daughter's First Communion rehearsal, a week before the big day, the class was taught how to receive in the hand. The tongue wasn't even an option for crying out loud! I was this close to asking the nun out loud, "can you still receive on the tongue?" So, at Mass, while many were receiving in the hand, I went up, knelt, got back up. The priest said "The Body of Christ", I responded "Amen", and put the tongue right out with a look on my face that states "put it there - where it belongs"!

After the rehearsal, the pastor and I got talking, and I told him about my move to Holy Ghost. And he said to me "ah, you must get along really good over there. That pastor's the traditional type, just like you". That's not a bad thing now is it?

More to come when my mind wakes up a little more.

+In Christ,
BMP

Monday, May 16, 2005

MY DAUGHTER'S FIRST COMMUNION

Greetings, readers!

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of watching my fourth (and final) child, my 7-year-old daughter, Brittany, receive the Blessed Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. She was also one of those who got to take part in the Offertory. As a father, I was in my glory, and very proud of Brittany. My wife took pictures like you wouldn't believe.

As a parish musician (not the parish where her First Communion Mass was, thank God), I was sick to my stomach. Here's the liturgy sheet:

Prelude (choir): One Spirit, one Church (talk about killing "Come, Holy Ghost")
Processional: Let the little children come (I forgot the author's name, but it was sung to "Hymn to Joy"). I don't mind the "Hymn to Joy" so much, but the text was horrible.
Gloria: It was the first time I had ever heard this setting. Composer name was not listed. The line "You are seated at the right hand of the Father. Receive our prayer." was left out completely.
Psalm: Lord, send out your Spirit (Joe Zsigray) A metrical setting. The verses were big time irregular. Though in a fast 3/4, you can fall asleep waiting to get back to the antiphon. Bright spot: the text is from the Lectionary for Mass.
Alleluia: GRAB YOUR BEER MUGS AND SWING BACK AND FORTH ON THE BAR STOOL, FOLKS! Oh, I mean, "Celtic Alleluia"
Offertory: We come to your table (from that insipid "Hi God" book)
Sanctus: Massive Cremation, at 78 speed
Memorial Acclamation: I forgot what it was, but it sure as heck wasn't any of THE Memorial Acclamations.
Amen: Massive Cremation
Agnus Dei: Dean Olawski
Communion: Jesus, come to us (Haas); Take and Eat (Joncas)
Recessional: This is the day (that one with the echo - that had me singing on the way home "This is the day (this is the day) that my dog got spayed (that my dog got spayed)"

According to the music director, who I know personally, it was the CCD folk (figures!) that picked all this watered down trash for music. But that's par for the course. I'm just glad that the kiddies didn't get up to the altar and sing something. That happened at my former parish, and the pastor had the colossal nerve to say "it's not entertainment". If they're using the altar as their little stage, which they did, and the parents are getting all sentimental over it, then yes, it's entertainment. To boot - that song was another from the "Hi God" dungpile - "His banner over me is love".

I would never subject my junior choir to that kind of garbage. I have a choir of 7-12 year olds who love "Mass of the Bells", especially the Gloria and Sanctus. They have the Latin Sanctus and Agnus (Mass XVIII) down to an art form. They sing standard hymns - Catholic hymns (I wouldn't consider much of what Haugen writes "Catholic"). Even my own 7-year-old couldn't stand the music yesterday at her First Communion.

My message, aimed particularly at CCD directors, teachers, and liturgist-wannabes: Don't dumb down the liturgy. These are, usually, very bright and very devoted children who seek to receive the Lord. They're not 3-year-olds. They don't need "Hi God", "Rise Up and Sing", "Young People's Glory and Praise", or any facsimile of such putrid collections. There are plenty of reverent selections that can very easily (and very enthusiastically) sung by young children. Yes, it's their big day. But they need to learn that the Mass focuses on Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Sacrament, and not on themselves.

+In Christ,
BMP

Sunday, May 15, 2005

MUSIC for TRINITY SUNDAY at HOLY GHOST CHURCH

May 22, 2005
Trinity Sunday

4:30 (Sat.) and 7:30 - me, myself and I / 9:00 - Junior Choir / 10:30 - Senior Choir

INTROIT at 10:30: Blessed be the Holy Trinity... (Tone 8G)
PROCESSIONAL HYMN: GOTT VATER, SEI GEPRIESEN - O God, almighty Father (#712)
PSALM: Page - Glory and praise for ever
ALLELUIA: Mode VI
OFFERTORY HYMN: NICAEA - Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty (#19, missalette)
MUSIC DURING THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
COMMUNION HYMN: NETTLETON - God we praise you (#33, missalette)
COMMUNION PROPER at 10:30: Let us bless the God of heaven... (Tone 8G - Eng./Lat.)
RECESSIONAL HYMN: GROSSER GOTT - Holy God, we praise thy name (#34, missalette)

BMP

Sunday, May 8, 2005

MUSIC FOR PENTECOST AND CONFIRMATION
at Holy Ghost Church

PENTECOST - May 15, 2005

4:30 Vigil Mass - Senior Choir
7:30 Sunday - me, myself, and I
9:00 and 10:30 will be played by Mike Jezak, as I will be attending my daughter's First Communion Mass closer to home.

Introit (4:30 only): Psalm Tone 8G - English antiphon with Latin versicle for the Vigil Mass
Processional Hymn: Lambillotte - Come, Holy Ghost, creator blest (#402)
Gloria (4:30 only): Peloquin - Gloria of the Bells
Psalm: Psalm Tone 8G - Lord, send out your Spirit (verses corresponding with the proper Mass)
Sequence (Sunday only): chant in English
Alleluia: from "O Filii et Filiae"
Offertory Hymn: ST. COLUMBA - O breathe on me, O breath of God (#646)
Sanctus, Mysterium, and Per Ipsum: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Lord's Prayer (4:30 only): chant in English
Agnus Dei: Peloquin - Mass of the Bells
Communion Hymn: Mode VIII - Veni, Creator Spiritus (#89, missalette)
Communion Proper (4:30 only): Psalm Tone 8G - bilingual English/Latin for the Vigil Mass
Recessional Hymn: LASST UNS ERFREUEN - Creator Spirit, by whose aid (#88, missalette)

CONFIRMATION - May 18, 2005

7:00 PM - Senior Choir

Processional Hymn: Lambillotte - Come, Holy Ghost, creator blest (#402)
Gloria is omitted
Psalm: Psalm Tone 8G - Lord, send out your Spirit (using the verses for Pentecost Sunday)
Alleluia: Mode VI
Anointing: Mode VIII - Veni, Creator Spiritus (#89, missalette)
Offertory Hymn: Farrell - Christ, be our light (#613)
Sanctus: Vermulst - People's Mass
Mysterium and Per Ipsum: Danish
Agnus Dei: Vermulst - People's Mass
Communion Music:
1) Franck - Panis Angelicus
2) BICENTENNIAL - You satisfy the hungry heart (#342)
Recessional Hymn: CRUCIFER - Lift high the cross (#722)

I have a lot to be thankful for.
First of all, for Father Finelli for letting me get a fill-in for me, on our patronal feast, mind you (Holy Ghost), so that I can witness my daughter, Brittany, receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. Though I can guarantee that most, if not all, of the music for Brittany's First Communion will be as vapid as they come (especially if it's anything like the crap I had to listen to and put up with at her rehearsal/penance service), watching the last of my four children receive for the first time is, like my other three kiddies, the joy of my heart.
Second, for the Holy Ghost CCD coordinators. We have two coordinators who have a very good sense of the sacred in planning sacramental liturgies (First Communion by Elaine Fleming and Confirmation by Peter Sullivan) - far surpassing many I've had to work with over the past two dozen years. Instead of vapid material by such big hitmakers such as Carey Landry, the St. Louis Jesuits, and Marty Haugen, both liturgies were well-packed with reverent music selected by these two people. At today's First Communion Mass, I didn't see an abuse in sight at all, compared to many of the pig circuses I've witnessed, both as a musician and as an attendee. So, to Elaine and Peter, thank you. You two are amongst very few in the Religious Education field that I can say I'm looking forward to working with next year. And another thank you to Father Finelli for his support and trust in the work of his CCD folk and his musicians.

+In Christ,
BMP

Wednesday, May 4, 2005

THE ORGAN AT THE VATICAN

The specifications of the four-manual Tamburini pipe organ at St. Peter's Basilica is shown below. These come courtesy of Scott Foppiano, organist and music director at Holy Rosary Church in Elvis' hometown, Memphis.

S. PIETRO IN VATICANO
Ditta Giovanni Tamburini, 1954 e 1962

PRIMO TASTIERA (Choir)
16' Principale
8' Principale Forte
8' Principale Dolce
4' Ottava
2-2/3' Duodecima
2' Decimaquinta
1-3/5' Decimasettima
6 file Ripieno
5 file Ripieno

SECONDA TASTIERA (Great)
16' Sub Diapason
8' Principale Stentor
8' Diapason
8' Principale
8' Flauto Aperto
4' Ottava Diapason
4' Prestante
2-2/3' Duodecima
2' Decimaquinta
7 file Gran Ripieno
5 file Ripieno Acuto
3 file Cimbalo
16' Tromba Bassa
8' Tromba Forte
8' Tromba a Squillo
8' Tromba Orrizontale (en chamade)
4' Tromba Squillo

TERZA TASTIERA (Swell)
16' Tibia Profunda
8' Principale di Legno
8' Tibia
8' Bordone
8' Viole Forte
8' Voce Celeste
4' Fugara
4' Flauto Silvestre
2-2/3' Nazardo
2' Flauto
5 file Ripieno
8' Tromba Armonica
8' Tuba
4' Tuba Clarone
Tremolo

QUARTA TASTIERA (Solo or Resonance)
8' Diapason
8' Bordone
8' Viola
8' Voce Celeste
4' Ottava Diapason
4' Flauto Orchestrale
2' Ottavino
8' Tromba Armonica
4' Trombina
Tremolo

PEDALE - I SEZIONE
32' Acustico
16' Diapason
16' Violone Contrabasso
16' Tibia Profunda
16' Subbasso
10-2/3' Gran Quinta
8' Ottava
8' Violone
8' Flauto Basso
4' Ottava
16' Tromba Bassa
16' Trombone
8' Tromba Forte
8' Trombone
4' Clarone

PEDALE - II SEZIONE
32' Basso Acustico
16' Contrabasso
16' Principale
16' Subbasso
8' Basso
8' Bordone
4' Ottava
16' Bombarda
8' Tromba

Full Couplers

And here's a treat for all you readers from these USA states: Not many here know that the organist at St. Peter's Basilica is an American - an Omaha, NE, native. He's been there since 1989. Click here for proof. As an American, I consider it bragging rights for this country!

+In Christ,
BMP

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

A CHOIR NEEDS HELP

A traditional Catholic group called "Juventutem" is taking part in the World Youth Day festivities in Germany this summer. Also taking part in World Youth Day is none other than Pope Benedict XVI.

If anyone can help this group get there, that would be great. Click here to get to the Recovering Choir Director blog article for more information.

+Laudate Dominum!
BMP

Sunday, May 1, 2005

MUSIC FOR ASCENSION and SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
at HOLY GHOST

May 5, 2005
Ascension Thursday (7 PM with senior choir)

Introit of the day in English with Latin versicle: Tone 8
Processional: LLANFAIR - Hail the day that sees him rise (Missalette, #85)
Gloria of the Bells
Psalm: Grail/Gelineau with Kreutz ant. - God mounts his throne to shouts of joy...
Alleluia from O Filii et Filiae / versicle Tone 2
Offertory: ABBOT'S LEIGH - Lord, you give the great commission (Music Issue, #362)
Eucharist: Bells
Lord's Prayer: Chant
Agnus: Bells
Communion: FESTIVAL CANTICLE - This is the feast of victory (Music Issue, #598)
Proper (English/Latin): Tone 8
Recessional: HYFRYDOL - Alleluia! sing to Jesus (Music Issue, #740)

May 8, 2005
Seventh Sunday of Easter (4:30 vigil, 7:30 and 9:00 Sunday)

Processional: LLANFAIR - Hail the day that sees him rise (Missalette, #85)
Psalm: Grail/Gelineau with Proulx ant. - I believe that I shall see...
Alleluia from O Filii et Filiae / versicle Tone 2
Offertory: ABBOT'S LEIGH - Lord, you give the great commission (Music Issue, #362)
Eucharist: Bells (recited at 9)
Lord's Prayer: Chant (4:30 only)
Agnus: Bells (recited at 9)
Communion: UNDE ET MEMORES - Lord, who at thy first Eucharist (Music Issue, #319)
Marian meditation: Ave Maria/As I kneel before you
Recessional: HYFRYDOL - Alleluia! sing to Jesus (Music Issue, #740)

(9:00 Eucharist recited to accomodate for the First Communion traffic at the next Mass)

May 8, 2005
First Communion (10:30 with Senior Choir)

Introit of the day in English with Latin versicle: Tone 8
Processional: HYFRYDOL - Alleluia! sing to Jesus (Music Issue, #740)
Gloria of the Bells
Psalm and Alleluia: same as remaining Sunday Masses
Offertory: Temple - Make me a channel of your peace (Music Issue, #476)
Eucharist: same as at other sung Masses this weekend
Communion: UNDE ET MEMORES - Lord, who at thy first Eucharist (Music Issue, #319)
Crowning: Ave Maria/As I kneel before you
Recessional: NON DIGNUS - O Jesus, we adore thee (Music Issue, #325, but sung to the tune of "O Lord, I am not worthy")

+In Christ,
BMP