Can you believe this one? One of my posts on this here blog got linked on this Wikipedia article! WOW!
Gotta love the Wiki!
Peace,
BMP
Showing posts with label St. John the Baptist Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. John the Baptist Church. Show all posts
Friday, May 20, 2011
Saturday, September 25, 2010
MUSIC FOR THE FUNERAL MASS
Some audio clips will come soon!
This morning I covered a very small funeral at a church I haven't played in a while - St. John the Baptist in Pawtucket, RI. No cantor, no request line, just little old me singing from the console. The music lineup is a little different from what one may hear at your typical Catholic funeral in the Ordinary Form. In fact, some of the music has a little bit of a LOCAL flavor to it.
Entrance: I heard the voice of Jesus say / "Kingsfold"
Psalm: The Lord is my Shepherd / written by yours truly, from the Chabanel project
Alleluia: Mode VI, with verse (I am the resurrection and the life...) sung to tone 6F
Offertory: Jesus, Son of Mary / "Adoro Te Devote"
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen: Community Mass / Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei XVIII
Communion: I believe that my Redeemer lives / Alexander Peloquin
Final Commendation: Saints of God / written by yours truly in 1993
Recessional: May the angels lead you / written by yours truly in 1990
Peace,
BMP
Entrance: I heard the voice of Jesus say / "Kingsfold"
Psalm: The Lord is my Shepherd / written by yours truly, from the Chabanel project
Alleluia: Mode VI, with verse (I am the resurrection and the life...) sung to tone 6F
Offertory: Jesus, Son of Mary / "Adoro Te Devote"
Sanctus, Memorial, and Amen: Community Mass / Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei XVIII
Communion: I believe that my Redeemer lives / Alexander Peloquin
Final Commendation: Saints of God / written by yours truly in 1993
Recessional: May the angels lead you / written by yours truly in 1990
Peace,
BMP
Thursday, March 4, 2010
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
March 6, 2010 - 4:30 PM
Anticipated Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian")
The Lord is kind and merciful/Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ (Alstott)
I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold")
Sanctus/Agnus (Vermulst - People's Mass)
Christ has died/Amen (Danish)
Holy Ground (Beatty)
Organ recessional (to be determined by yours truly - probably last minute)
UPDATE 3/7/10 8:36 AM: Said organ recessional was three variations on Passion Chorale, the first being the very basic two-part piece on it by Flor Peeters (cantus firmus in the tenor) from his Little Organ Book, the other two were my own (one with cantus firmus in the pedal, the other with the melody on top, but with a snarky impromptu reharmonization).
Peace,
BMP
Anticipated Mass for the Third Sunday of Lent
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
It's been a few months since the last time I filled in. Last summer I had filled in at St. John's after the death of our good friend Paul Martin. This Saturday, I'm filling in for the new music director, Robert Giambo. All of the music was of his choosing, except for the Communion, which was at the request of the pastor.
Lord, who throughout these forty days ("St. Flavian")
The Lord is kind and merciful/Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ (Alstott)
I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold")
Sanctus/Agnus (Vermulst - People's Mass)
Christ has died/Amen (Danish)
Holy Ground (Beatty)
Organ recessional (to be determined by yours truly - probably last minute)
UPDATE 3/7/10 8:36 AM: Said organ recessional was three variations on Passion Chorale, the first being the very basic two-part piece on it by Flor Peeters (cantus firmus in the tenor) from his Little Organ Book, the other two were my own (one with cantus firmus in the pedal, the other with the melody on top, but with a snarky impromptu reharmonization).
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, October 4, 2009
WELL, NO GO IN BOSTON
I didn't post this last week, simply because the cantor at St. John's reads our snark blog regularly. But I can now say this...
I interviewed at the Church of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston on Monday of last week. The organ was an interesting sort - a three-manual E. and G.G. Hook tracker built in 1854, rebuilt by George Hutchings in 1892. This organ received a Historic Organ Citation from the Organ Historical Society in 2000. The attached console with very high seat and extra high pedal board made for some interesting posture while auditioning (I'm only 5'11", so it's not like I'm a man of NBA height).
The conversation with the pastor, Fr. Michael Harkins, went over very well, IMO. I like a lot of his liturgical outlook, and I like his desire for dialogue between music director and pastor. Further, a good friend of mine had attended Holy Mass there and gave me the music list for that day. On the most part, I thought it was very respectable, as did he. The only bullet bitten was Shepherd Me, O God by Marty Haugen.
However, all came to an end when I got an e-mail the following Thursday. The incumbent organist decided to stay on board. Truthfully, I have no problem with an incumbent having a change of heart. I'd be curious as to where he had originally intended to go. I might give THAT a shot. Hey, at least it wasn't "Thank you for your interest. However, we hired someone else."
NO GO IN PAWTUCKET, EITHER
To boot, just last Tuesday, Fr. Harbour at St. John's (where I had been filling in for the late Paul Martin) called me up. I didn't get that job either. The factor, of course, was the skills (or lack thereof) needed to take charge of the Spanish Masses. After all, the Spanish Mass crowds outnumbered the English Mass crowds by a 7:1 margin. So, there was a good idea where Fr. Harbour had to set his priorities.
There's something unique about this rejection, though. I give Fr. Harbour a load of respect, more than most, for the simple reason that he was man enough to actually give me a call, face up to letting me know of his decision, and even WHY he made his decision, as opposed to the typical chicken-shit rejection letter that I'm used to receiving elsewhere. I find Fr. Harbour to be a very holy man of God, I thank him for having me for the three months I was there, and I wish him and his parish well.
SOME MORE ABOUT THE ORGAN AT ST. JOHN'S
The last organist before Paul Martin was Dave Sylvester, another good friend of mine, who has been keeping me abreast of any job openings he may hear of. The two men ran neck-and-neck in terms of longevity at St. John's. Paul was there 19 years (1990 until his death in 2009). Dave was there 20 years (1970-1990). It was he that actually revived the organ at St. John's in many ways upon his arrival. He also let me in on the two reeds marked "Hautbois l'ouvres" and "Trompette l'ouvres". As I mentioned before, these two make great chorus reeds. In all actuality, these two reeds are simply loud Gambas. There was much more that he was telling me about the organ last night, but I didn't get to absorb it all (after all, it was 10:00 last night).
It was still a fun organ to play, and I felt like a pro playing it.
THAT SAME TUESDAY NIGHT...
is when I got the e-mail from Fr. Jerry DiGiralmo, the director at the Chapel of Our Savior, asking me to fill in while their organist is away on vacation. I got a lot of compliments last night after both Masses. I'm looking forward to the next two Saturdays there. BTW, that same friend I mentioned that attended Mass at the Boston church where I interviewed/auditioned is the same friend who gave my name to one of the Brothers at the Chapel, who, in turn, gave it to Fr. Jerry. So I say, thank you Rich! ;)
Peace,
BMP
PS: On Friday, October 9, the Chapel will be holding an Extraordinary Form Mass. Unfortunately my hours at the day job (that's another story - grrrr!) prevent me from getting there that night. It's understood that the choir that sings the Extraordinary Form Mass at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church in Newton, MA, will provide the music that night. Should be really good!
I interviewed at the Church of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston on Monday of last week. The organ was an interesting sort - a three-manual E. and G.G. Hook tracker built in 1854, rebuilt by George Hutchings in 1892. This organ received a Historic Organ Citation from the Organ Historical Society in 2000. The attached console with very high seat and extra high pedal board made for some interesting posture while auditioning (I'm only 5'11", so it's not like I'm a man of NBA height).
The conversation with the pastor, Fr. Michael Harkins, went over very well, IMO. I like a lot of his liturgical outlook, and I like his desire for dialogue between music director and pastor. Further, a good friend of mine had attended Holy Mass there and gave me the music list for that day. On the most part, I thought it was very respectable, as did he. The only bullet bitten was Shepherd Me, O God by Marty Haugen.
However, all came to an end when I got an e-mail the following Thursday. The incumbent organist decided to stay on board. Truthfully, I have no problem with an incumbent having a change of heart. I'd be curious as to where he had originally intended to go. I might give THAT a shot. Hey, at least it wasn't "Thank you for your interest. However, we hired someone else."
NO GO IN PAWTUCKET, EITHER
To boot, just last Tuesday, Fr. Harbour at St. John's (where I had been filling in for the late Paul Martin) called me up. I didn't get that job either. The factor, of course, was the skills (or lack thereof) needed to take charge of the Spanish Masses. After all, the Spanish Mass crowds outnumbered the English Mass crowds by a 7:1 margin. So, there was a good idea where Fr. Harbour had to set his priorities.
There's something unique about this rejection, though. I give Fr. Harbour a load of respect, more than most, for the simple reason that he was man enough to actually give me a call, face up to letting me know of his decision, and even WHY he made his decision, as opposed to the typical chicken-shit rejection letter that I'm used to receiving elsewhere. I find Fr. Harbour to be a very holy man of God, I thank him for having me for the three months I was there, and I wish him and his parish well.
SOME MORE ABOUT THE ORGAN AT ST. JOHN'S
The last organist before Paul Martin was Dave Sylvester, another good friend of mine, who has been keeping me abreast of any job openings he may hear of. The two men ran neck-and-neck in terms of longevity at St. John's. Paul was there 19 years (1990 until his death in 2009). Dave was there 20 years (1970-1990). It was he that actually revived the organ at St. John's in many ways upon his arrival. He also let me in on the two reeds marked "Hautbois l'ouvres" and "Trompette l'ouvres". As I mentioned before, these two make great chorus reeds. In all actuality, these two reeds are simply loud Gambas. There was much more that he was telling me about the organ last night, but I didn't get to absorb it all (after all, it was 10:00 last night).
It was still a fun organ to play, and I felt like a pro playing it.
THAT SAME TUESDAY NIGHT...
is when I got the e-mail from Fr. Jerry DiGiralmo, the director at the Chapel of Our Savior, asking me to fill in while their organist is away on vacation. I got a lot of compliments last night after both Masses. I'm looking forward to the next two Saturdays there. BTW, that same friend I mentioned that attended Mass at the Boston church where I interviewed/auditioned is the same friend who gave my name to one of the Brothers at the Chapel, who, in turn, gave it to Fr. Jerry. So I say, thank you Rich! ;)
Peace,
BMP
PS: On Friday, October 9, the Chapel will be holding an Extraordinary Form Mass. Unfortunately my hours at the day job (that's another story - grrrr!) prevent me from getting there that night. It's understood that the choir that sings the Extraordinary Form Mass at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church in Newton, MA, will provide the music that night. Should be really good!
Monday, September 14, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sunday XXV (Ordinary Form) - September 20, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
In: "Lobe den Herren"...Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Psalm (The Lord upholds my life) and Alleluia: Alstott...from Respond and Acclaim
$: Gillard...The servant song (Quite nice. Heard it done here once while Paul still was with us.)
Sanctus, Memorial (Christ has died), and Amen: Proulx...from A Community Mass
Agnus: Isele...from Holy Cross Mass (alternate tune)
+: "Bicentennial"...You satisfy the hungry heart
Out: "Azmon"...The Spirit sends us forth to serve (key of G)
NUMBER BOARD: 27 / 379 / 322 / 386
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
In: "Lobe den Herren"...Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Psalm (The Lord upholds my life) and Alleluia: Alstott...from Respond and Acclaim
$: Gillard...The servant song (Quite nice. Heard it done here once while Paul still was with us.)
Sanctus, Memorial (Christ has died), and Amen: Proulx...from A Community Mass
Agnus: Isele...from Holy Cross Mass (alternate tune)
+: "Bicentennial"...You satisfy the hungry heart
Out: "Azmon"...The Spirit sends us forth to serve (key of G)
NUMBER BOARD: 27 / 379 / 322 / 386
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, September 6, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sunday XXIV - September 13, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
Note the change in Mass times for Saturdays, effective 9/12/09:
4:30 in English / 5:45 en EspaƱol
Numbers refer to the music issue (OCP)
HYMN 730: "Crucifer"...Lift high the cross
Psalm 116 (I will walk before the Lord) and Alleluia: Alstott...from Respond and Acclaim
HYMN 492: Temple...Make me a channel of your peace
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation (Christ has died), and Amen: Proulx...from Community Mass
Agnus Dei: Isele...from Holy Cross Mass
HYMN 356: Foley...One bread, one body
HYMN 26: "St. Elizabeth"...Beautiful Savior
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
Note the change in Mass times for Saturdays, effective 9/12/09:
4:30 in English / 5:45 en EspaƱol
Numbers refer to the music issue (OCP)
HYMN 730: "Crucifer"...Lift high the cross
Psalm 116 (I will walk before the Lord) and Alleluia: Alstott...from Respond and Acclaim
HYMN 492: Temple...Make me a channel of your peace
Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation (Christ has died), and Amen: Proulx...from Community Mass
Agnus Dei: Isele...from Holy Cross Mass
HYMN 356: Foley...One bread, one body
HYMN 26: "St. Elizabeth"...Beautiful Savior
Peace,
BMP
Friday, September 4, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sunday XXIII (Ordinary Form) - September 6, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church - Pawtucket, RI
Back to St. John's again, where I'll be once again serving as interim organist for the two English Masses.
Entrance: HYMN 448 O God, our help in ages past..."St. Anne"
Psalm 146/Alleluia: from Respond and Acclaim
Offertory: HYMN 590 The cry of the poor...Foley
- (His best work known to the users of OCP materials, IMO)
Sanctus/Agnus: from People's Mass
Christ has died/Amen: Danish
Communion: Stewards of Earth..."Finlandia"
Recessional: HYMN 417 For the fruits of this creation..."Ar hyd y nos"
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church - Pawtucket, RI
Back to St. John's again, where I'll be once again serving as interim organist for the two English Masses.
Entrance: HYMN 448 O God, our help in ages past..."St. Anne"
Psalm 146/Alleluia: from Respond and Acclaim
Offertory: HYMN 590 The cry of the poor...Foley
- (His best work known to the users of OCP materials, IMO)
Sanctus/Agnus: from People's Mass
Christ has died/Amen: Danish
Communion: Stewards of Earth..."Finlandia"
Recessional: HYMN 417 For the fruits of this creation..."Ar hyd y nos"
Peace,
BMP
Monday, August 17, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sunday XXI - Ordinary Form of the Mass - 23 August 2009
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Morning has broken..."Bunessan"
- (I'll be steering away from the Cat Stevens-like one-chord-per-bar accompaniments that most modern hymnals seem to use and go with the David Evans accompaniment from Worship II, #179. I don't mind the Cat Stevens version on the radio, but at church David Evans rocks!)
Taste and see / Alleluia...Alstott, from Respond and Acclaim
Make me a channel of your peace...Temple (the only Sebastian Temple piece I'll ever use)
Sanctus / Agnus...Vermulst, from People's Mass
Christ has died / Amen...Danish
I am the bread of life...Toolan (aka "Toolanbread")
Let all things now living..."Ash Grove"
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Morning has broken..."Bunessan"
- (I'll be steering away from the Cat Stevens-like one-chord-per-bar accompaniments that most modern hymnals seem to use and go with the David Evans accompaniment from Worship II, #179. I don't mind the Cat Stevens version on the radio, but at church David Evans rocks!)
Taste and see / Alleluia...Alstott, from Respond and Acclaim
Make me a channel of your peace...Temple (the only Sebastian Temple piece I'll ever use)
Sanctus / Agnus...Vermulst, from People's Mass
Christ has died / Amen...Danish
I am the bread of life...Toolan (aka "Toolanbread")
Let all things now living..."Ash Grove"
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, August 9, 2009
OK, HERE IT IS!
The stoplist of the organ at Saint John the Baptist, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
En Cied Orgues Canadiennes (Canadian Organ Company)
St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
The date of the organ is arguable at this point. Daniel Lemieux, on his website, says 1924. Fr. Jerry Harbour, the pastor, says 1927. Fr. Jerry may have the more accurate statement here, since the cornerstone of the church says 1925. So, I'll say mid to late 1920's and be safe on all ends. :)
The other error on the Lemieux website is that it also listed stops for a solo division. The organ at St. John's does not have a solo division. However, another organ on his portfolio, the Casavant at St. Anthony of Padua in New Bedford, Massachusetts, does, and the stops in that division may be from that organ.
One interesting note is that this the first three-manual organ I've ever played that has absolutely NO mixtures, and absolutely NO mutation stops, definitely something rather unbecoming of a French-Canadian built pipe organ.
So, without further ado, here is the stoplist for the organ at St. John's...

Recit:
Bourdon 16' / Principal 8' / Bourdon 8' / Viole Orchestre 8' / Cor de Nuit 8'
Aeoline 8' / Voix Celeste 8' / Violes Celeste 8' / Flute de Concert 4' / Piccolo 2'
Tromba Royale 8' / Hautbois l'evres 8' / Tremolo / Harpe
Grand Orgue:
Montre I 8' / Montre II 8' / Flute Double 8' / Clarabelle 8' / Dolce 8' / Principal Violon 4'
Flute Harmonic 4' / Doublette 2' / Trompette l'evres 8' / Tremolo / Harpe
(Note: Part of the Grand Orgue division is under expression. I'd have to go back and double-check which ones. I'm almost positive)
Orchestral:
Flute Double Ouverte 8' / Violoncelle 8' / Viole Sourdine 8' / Violes Celestes 8'
Flute d'Amour 4' / Tuba 8' / Hautbois Orchestral 8' / Voix Humaine 8'
Tremolo / Harpe Celeste
(Note: I found the "Orchestral" naming rather interesting, in place of "Choeur" or "Positif". But then, I served a Woonsocket church back in the early to mid 1980's with an late 1920's Estey organ that labeled the pedal division "Universal".)
Pedale:
Resultant 32' / Flute 16' / Bourdon 16' / Gedeckt 16' / Bourdon Echo 16' (lieblich action)
Flute 8' (ext. of Bourdon) / Bourdon Echo 8' (ext.) / Bombarde 16'
(Note: I love the thickness of the 32' Resultant on this organ. It's very reminiscent of the resultant I often hear on the 1972 IV/125 Casavant tracker at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence. I often use this resultant for final verses of the entrance and recessional hymns, as well as postludes.)
Another note: the two "anches l'evres" (the Hautbois on the Recit and the Trompette on the Grand Orgue) are excellent chorus reeds.
The late Paul Martin, who served St. John's as Organist and Choirmaster for 19 years, had counted 31 ranks. I'm counting 34 ranks, but it's possible that the Pedal 16' flute could have been borrowed from the Grand Orgue or Orchestral, the Pedal 16' Bourdon could have been borrowed from the Recit, and the 8' Violes Celeste could be the same rank on both the Recit and Orchestral, thus the count of 31.
At any rate, the organ at St. John's is currently the largest working pipe organ in any Pawtucket Catholic church. Close calls are St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Austin, III/25) and the former Our Lady of Consolation (Casavant, III/24). St. Cecilia's is a III/40 Kimball, but that organ hasn't functioned in nearly three decades, though there has been talks of restoring it.
The other Pawtucket Catholic churches:
St. Leo the Great: an old two-manual Allen from 1962 (yeah, in electronic organ years, an organ built in 1962 is a dinosaur, while a pipe organ of the same age is still fairly new)
St. Edward: a two-manual Lane
St. Joseph (now Holy Family): a three-manual Rodgers analog electronic
St. Anthony: has no organ, from what I've heard
the former Sacred Heart: a two-manual Austin, I believe, of about 16 ranks
St. Teresa of the Child Jesus: a two-manual Allen of a vintage similar to St. Leo's
Immaculate Heart of Mary: I've never been in that church, but it's not a big church at all, so I can imagine the organ (if any) is not so big either. This is a parish that was established in 1979 for Cape Verdean Catholics, using a building that used to be a Jewish synagogue.
St. Maria Goretti: a two-manual Allen, I believe.
BTW, after a very strong impromptu improv on Hymn to Joy as a postlude this morning, I looked up and said, "Paul, this one's for you, buddy!"
Peace,
BMP
En Cied Orgues Canadiennes (Canadian Organ Company)
St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
The date of the organ is arguable at this point. Daniel Lemieux, on his website, says 1924. Fr. Jerry Harbour, the pastor, says 1927. Fr. Jerry may have the more accurate statement here, since the cornerstone of the church says 1925. So, I'll say mid to late 1920's and be safe on all ends. :)
The other error on the Lemieux website is that it also listed stops for a solo division. The organ at St. John's does not have a solo division. However, another organ on his portfolio, the Casavant at St. Anthony of Padua in New Bedford, Massachusetts, does, and the stops in that division may be from that organ.
One interesting note is that this the first three-manual organ I've ever played that has absolutely NO mixtures, and absolutely NO mutation stops, definitely something rather unbecoming of a French-Canadian built pipe organ.
So, without further ado, here is the stoplist for the organ at St. John's...

Recit:
Bourdon 16' / Principal 8' / Bourdon 8' / Viole Orchestre 8' / Cor de Nuit 8'
Aeoline 8' / Voix Celeste 8' / Violes Celeste 8' / Flute de Concert 4' / Piccolo 2'
Tromba Royale 8' / Hautbois l'evres 8' / Tremolo / Harpe
Grand Orgue:
Montre I 8' / Montre II 8' / Flute Double 8' / Clarabelle 8' / Dolce 8' / Principal Violon 4'
Flute Harmonic 4' / Doublette 2' / Trompette l'evres 8' / Tremolo / Harpe
(Note: Part of the Grand Orgue division is under expression. I'd have to go back and double-check which ones. I'm almost positive)
Orchestral:
Flute Double Ouverte 8' / Violoncelle 8' / Viole Sourdine 8' / Violes Celestes 8'
Flute d'Amour 4' / Tuba 8' / Hautbois Orchestral 8' / Voix Humaine 8'
Tremolo / Harpe Celeste
(Note: I found the "Orchestral" naming rather interesting, in place of "Choeur" or "Positif". But then, I served a Woonsocket church back in the early to mid 1980's with an late 1920's Estey organ that labeled the pedal division "Universal".)
Pedale:
Resultant 32' / Flute 16' / Bourdon 16' / Gedeckt 16' / Bourdon Echo 16' (lieblich action)
Flute 8' (ext. of Bourdon) / Bourdon Echo 8' (ext.) / Bombarde 16'
(Note: I love the thickness of the 32' Resultant on this organ. It's very reminiscent of the resultant I often hear on the 1972 IV/125 Casavant tracker at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence. I often use this resultant for final verses of the entrance and recessional hymns, as well as postludes.)
Another note: the two "anches l'evres" (the Hautbois on the Recit and the Trompette on the Grand Orgue) are excellent chorus reeds.
The late Paul Martin, who served St. John's as Organist and Choirmaster for 19 years, had counted 31 ranks. I'm counting 34 ranks, but it's possible that the Pedal 16' flute could have been borrowed from the Grand Orgue or Orchestral, the Pedal 16' Bourdon could have been borrowed from the Recit, and the 8' Violes Celeste could be the same rank on both the Recit and Orchestral, thus the count of 31.
At any rate, the organ at St. John's is currently the largest working pipe organ in any Pawtucket Catholic church. Close calls are St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Austin, III/25) and the former Our Lady of Consolation (Casavant, III/24). St. Cecilia's is a III/40 Kimball, but that organ hasn't functioned in nearly three decades, though there has been talks of restoring it.
The other Pawtucket Catholic churches:
St. Leo the Great: an old two-manual Allen from 1962 (yeah, in electronic organ years, an organ built in 1962 is a dinosaur, while a pipe organ of the same age is still fairly new)
St. Edward: a two-manual Lane
St. Joseph (now Holy Family): a three-manual Rodgers analog electronic
St. Anthony: has no organ, from what I've heard
the former Sacred Heart: a two-manual Austin, I believe, of about 16 ranks
St. Teresa of the Child Jesus: a two-manual Allen of a vintage similar to St. Leo's
Immaculate Heart of Mary: I've never been in that church, but it's not a big church at all, so I can imagine the organ (if any) is not so big either. This is a parish that was established in 1979 for Cape Verdean Catholics, using a building that used to be a Jewish synagogue.
St. Maria Goretti: a two-manual Allen, I believe.
BTW, after a very strong impromptu improv on Hymn to Joy as a postlude this morning, I looked up and said, "Paul, this one's for you, buddy!"
Peace,
BMP
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
August 16, 2009 - Sunday XX (Ordinary Form of the Mass in English)
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
A mighty fortress is our God..."Ein' feste berg"
Taste and see / Alleluia...Alstott, both from "Respond and Acclaim"
My God and my all...Zaragoza
Sanctus / Agnus...Vermulst, both from "People's Mass"
Christ has died / Amen...Danish
Eat this bread...Batastini/Berthier
Sent forth by God's blessing..."Ash Grove"
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
A mighty fortress is our God..."Ein' feste berg"
Taste and see / Alleluia...Alstott, both from "Respond and Acclaim"
My God and my all...Zaragoza
Sanctus / Agnus...Vermulst, both from "People's Mass"
Christ has died / Amen...Danish
Eat this bread...Batastini/Berthier
Sent forth by God's blessing..."Ash Grove"
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, August 2, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Ordinary Form - Sunday XIX - August 9, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church - Pawtucket, RI
"Hyfrydol" - Church of God, elect and glorious
B. M. Page - Taste and see (from Chabanel)
O. Alstott - Alleluia (from Respond and Acclaim)
"St. Elizabeth" - Beautiful Savior
J. Vermulst - Sanctus and Agnus (from People's Mass)
Danish - Christ Has Died and Amen
J. Moore - Taste and See
"Hymn to Joy" - Praise the Lord, ye heav'ns adore him
- (If I had my way the tune would be "Austria".)
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church - Pawtucket, RI
"Hyfrydol" - Church of God, elect and glorious
B. M. Page - Taste and see (from Chabanel)
O. Alstott - Alleluia (from Respond and Acclaim)
"St. Elizabeth" - Beautiful Savior
J. Vermulst - Sanctus and Agnus (from People's Mass)
Danish - Christ Has Died and Amen
J. Moore - Taste and See
"Hymn to Joy" - Praise the Lord, ye heav'ns adore him
- (If I had my way the tune would be "Austria".)
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, July 26, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Ordinary Form - Sunday XVIII - August 2, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
"Hyfrydol" - Alleluia! sing to Jesus
Alstott - The Lord gave them bread / Alleluia (both from Respond and Acclaim)
B. Hurd - Ubi caritas
- (Some of our regular CV readers may be asking "Why Hurd's Ubi and not the Chant Ubi?" Two reasons - 1) the people at St. John's know this piece quite well, and 2) This is by far one of Bob Hurd's best works - the other is "Missa Ubi Caritas", which is adapted from his own Ubi AND the chant Ubi. Seriously, I have to give credit where credit is due. This is nothing like his schlocky "Taste and See" or "Mass of Glory". Even in this recording from OCP, the ORGAN, not the piano or guitar, is used. Will this be the permanant trend in Hurd's future works? I hope so!)
Vermulst - Sanctus and Agnus Dei from People's Mass
Danish - Christ has died and Amen
C. Franck - Panis angelicus
"Nun Danket" - Now thank we all our God
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
"Hyfrydol" - Alleluia! sing to Jesus
Alstott - The Lord gave them bread / Alleluia (both from Respond and Acclaim)
B. Hurd - Ubi caritas
- (Some of our regular CV readers may be asking "Why Hurd's Ubi and not the Chant Ubi?" Two reasons - 1) the people at St. John's know this piece quite well, and 2) This is by far one of Bob Hurd's best works - the other is "Missa Ubi Caritas", which is adapted from his own Ubi AND the chant Ubi. Seriously, I have to give credit where credit is due. This is nothing like his schlocky "Taste and See" or "Mass of Glory". Even in this recording from OCP, the ORGAN, not the piano or guitar, is used. Will this be the permanant trend in Hurd's future works? I hope so!)
Vermulst - Sanctus and Agnus Dei from People's Mass
Danish - Christ has died and Amen
C. Franck - Panis angelicus
"Nun Danket" - Now thank we all our God
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, July 19, 2009
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Paul Martin, organist at St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI, and good friend, died early this morning, most likely of heart failure (he's had heart problems on and off for quite some time). According to the parish cantor, Elaine, Paul was 58, though I could have sworn that he had told me once a few months back that he had just hit 60.
Paul was the organist I filled in for yesterday and today, and I will be playing at least the English Masses until the pastor has decided what to do for a permanent music director. Paul worked with the English and Spanish Masses, and was able to play and sing the music in Spanish, although he reportedly was not able to hold a conversation in Spanish. Fr. Jerry Harbour (the pastor) will be looking for someone to do the same, obviously.
In the meantime, I will be seeking some help with Spanish Mass music. (Hint hint, SteveO). The current hymnal en espaƱol's pew edition has only the texts, no music. I'm thinking it might be an early edition of "Flor y Canto". I'm not sure. Fr. Harbour said that he would ship me whatever material that Paul had. I also told Father that though I'm working 60 hours a week currently, I am looking to change that. As you can tell, YES, I am applying for a job.
Here is the music list for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, for the Masses in English. I would have stuck with Paul's list in his honor, had he written one up, but he didn't. So, the cantor and I got together during the homily to pick the music for next week. She checked off selections from the "Today's Liturgy" book that she was familiar with. I'm biting a bullet with one (and only one) piece so that I'm not flinging anything new on her (I'm not the music director - yet!).
For the beauty of the earth (Dix)
The hand of the Lord feeds us and Alleluia (Alstott, from Respond and Acclaim)
You satisfy the hungry heart (Bicentennial)
Sanctus and Agnus Dei (Vermulst, from People's Mass)
Christ has died and Amen (Danish tone)
One bread, one body (Foley) (the one bullet I'm biting)
- (Side note: This song has also been hilariously titled One bed, one body, One Ken, one Barbie, and One Fred, one Barney.)
For the fruits of this creation (Ar hyd y nos)
- (I love this tune, though I've never gotten to use it much.)
Peace,
BMP
Paul was the organist I filled in for yesterday and today, and I will be playing at least the English Masses until the pastor has decided what to do for a permanent music director. Paul worked with the English and Spanish Masses, and was able to play and sing the music in Spanish, although he reportedly was not able to hold a conversation in Spanish. Fr. Jerry Harbour (the pastor) will be looking for someone to do the same, obviously.
In the meantime, I will be seeking some help with Spanish Mass music. (Hint hint, SteveO). The current hymnal en espaƱol's pew edition has only the texts, no music. I'm thinking it might be an early edition of "Flor y Canto". I'm not sure. Fr. Harbour said that he would ship me whatever material that Paul had. I also told Father that though I'm working 60 hours a week currently, I am looking to change that. As you can tell, YES, I am applying for a job.
Here is the music list for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, for the Masses in English. I would have stuck with Paul's list in his honor, had he written one up, but he didn't. So, the cantor and I got together during the homily to pick the music for next week. She checked off selections from the "Today's Liturgy" book that she was familiar with. I'm biting a bullet with one (and only one) piece so that I'm not flinging anything new on her (I'm not the music director - yet!).
For the beauty of the earth (Dix)
The hand of the Lord feeds us and Alleluia (Alstott, from Respond and Acclaim)
You satisfy the hungry heart (Bicentennial)
Sanctus and Agnus Dei (Vermulst, from People's Mass)
Christ has died and Amen (Danish tone)
One bread, one body (Foley) (the one bullet I'm biting)
- (Side note: This song has also been hilariously titled One bed, one body, One Ken, one Barbie, and One Fred, one Barney.)
For the fruits of this creation (Ar hyd y nos)
- (I love this tune, though I've never gotten to use it much.)
Peace,
BMP
Thursday, July 16, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 18-19, 2009
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
For the first time since last November, I'm finally doing some substitute work at the organ this weekend. This time, at my old standby, St. John the Baptist. In the meantime, my prayers to Paul Martin (the music director/organist) as he just came back from the hospital and is recovering from illness. Paul called me up last night and it was great to find out he's home.
Anyhoo, here's the music list, as agreed upon by both of us...
Entrance hymn is I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold")
The Psalm is The Lord is my shepherd (with the verses read for the summer), and the Alleluia, both from Respond and Acclaim (I'll be using a Psalm tone for the Alleluia verse and not that sing-songy pseudo-chant this book has.)
Offertory is The King of love my Shepherd is ("St. Columba")
Sanctus and Agnus are from People's Mass by Jan Vermulst
Memorial acclamation and Amen are the Danish tone
Communion hymn is You satisfy the hungry heart ("Bicentennial")
Finally, the recessional is The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia")
Click here for pics of the church, and the III/31 organ from Compagnie l'Orgues Canadiennes (a company founded by a former employee of Casavant Freres) that I'll be playing on.
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
For the first time since last November, I'm finally doing some substitute work at the organ this weekend. This time, at my old standby, St. John the Baptist. In the meantime, my prayers to Paul Martin (the music director/organist) as he just came back from the hospital and is recovering from illness. Paul called me up last night and it was great to find out he's home.
Anyhoo, here's the music list, as agreed upon by both of us...
Entrance hymn is I heard the voice of Jesus say ("Kingsfold")
The Psalm is The Lord is my shepherd (with the verses read for the summer), and the Alleluia, both from Respond and Acclaim (I'll be using a Psalm tone for the Alleluia verse and not that sing-songy pseudo-chant this book has.)
Offertory is The King of love my Shepherd is ("St. Columba")
Sanctus and Agnus are from People's Mass by Jan Vermulst
Memorial acclamation and Amen are the Danish tone
Communion hymn is You satisfy the hungry heart ("Bicentennial")
Finally, the recessional is The Church's one foundation ("Aurelia")
Click here for pics of the church, and the III/31 organ from Compagnie l'Orgues Canadiennes (a company founded by a former employee of Casavant Freres) that I'll be playing on.
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, May 3, 2009
MUSIC AT HOLY MASS
9:30 AM Mass - May 3, 2009 - 4th Sunday of Easter
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
As much as I may razz Paul the organist about Massive Cremation and Come Sailing Away (We are called), much of the music at St. John's is the reason I attend there. The organ (not piano or synthesizer or guitar) is used, and a bigger chunk of the music than most is music written in good taste. And yes, Paul does read CV the BLOG, and we do often joke about some of the posts here after Mass.
Anyhoo, I got to sing some good lost 45's from the pew today...
Deiss / All the earth proclaim the Lord
(Did I ever mention, I DO like much of the late Fr. Deiss' earlier works?)
Alstott / The Lord is my shepherd
(an ok setting, but the proper is The stone rejected by the builders, Psalm 118 (117))
The Boston Celtics Alleluia (now that they finally eliminated the Bulls yesterday - YAY!)
"St. Columba" / The King of love my shepherd is
Massive Cremation
"Brother James' Air" / The living God my shepherd is
(I LOVE the tune. That said, this is the THIRD musical setting of Psalm 23 we've sung today!)
"St. Elizabeth" / Beautiful Savior (I find this hymn absolutely GORGEOUS!)
So yeah, those good lost 45's - the Deiss, "Brother James' Air", and "St. Elizabeth" (for a hymn other than God's blessing sends us forth). "St. Columba" isn't a good lost 45. However, it IS a great standard.
One of the things I mentioned to Paul after Mass was the absence of Christ is made the sure foundation in the Music Issue. It was dropped in 2005 (grrrrrr!). It would have been a nice fit with the Old Testament lesson for today!
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
As much as I may razz Paul the organist about Massive Cremation and Come Sailing Away (We are called), much of the music at St. John's is the reason I attend there. The organ (not piano or synthesizer or guitar) is used, and a bigger chunk of the music than most is music written in good taste. And yes, Paul does read CV the BLOG, and we do often joke about some of the posts here after Mass.
Anyhoo, I got to sing some good lost 45's from the pew today...
Deiss / All the earth proclaim the Lord
(Did I ever mention, I DO like much of the late Fr. Deiss' earlier works?)
Alstott / The Lord is my shepherd
(an ok setting, but the proper is The stone rejected by the builders, Psalm 118 (117))
The Boston Celtics Alleluia (now that they finally eliminated the Bulls yesterday - YAY!)
"St. Columba" / The King of love my shepherd is
Massive Cremation
"Brother James' Air" / The living God my shepherd is
(I LOVE the tune. That said, this is the THIRD musical setting of Psalm 23 we've sung today!)
"St. Elizabeth" / Beautiful Savior (I find this hymn absolutely GORGEOUS!)
So yeah, those good lost 45's - the Deiss, "Brother James' Air", and "St. Elizabeth" (for a hymn other than God's blessing sends us forth). "St. Columba" isn't a good lost 45. However, it IS a great standard.
One of the things I mentioned to Paul after Mass was the absence of Christ is made the sure foundation in the Music Issue. It was dropped in 2005 (grrrrrr!). It would have been a nice fit with the Old Testament lesson for today!
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, March 15, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Third Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2009 (Ordinary Form)
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI - 9:30 AM
Paul Martin actually gets it when it comes to toning down for Lent. He simply took some off the organ instead of reverting to a piano (and goofy songs like Ashes) like I've had the misfortune of hearing in some parishes.
Anyhoo...
"St. Flavian"...Lord, who throughout these forty days
Alstott...Kyrie from "Heritage Mass" (The best metrical setting with an OCP copyright, IMO)
Alstott...Lord you have the words; Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
- (The former is fine. The latter reminds me too much of Mary had a little lamb.)
B. Farrell...O Lord, you search me
- (An excellent piece - hard to believe it came from the pen of the same composer that gave us goofy stuff like God beyond all names, which is one of the biggest run-on sentences in church music, and God has chosen me)
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Danish...Memorial Acclamation C and Amen
"Deirdre"...Christ be with me
- (Too bad this isn't in the music issue. Same with the tune's counterpart "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Too good, I guess. Sounded great in parts!)
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI - 9:30 AM
Paul Martin actually gets it when it comes to toning down for Lent. He simply took some off the organ instead of reverting to a piano (and goofy songs like Ashes) like I've had the misfortune of hearing in some parishes.
Anyhoo...
"St. Flavian"...Lord, who throughout these forty days
Alstott...Kyrie from "Heritage Mass" (The best metrical setting with an OCP copyright, IMO)
Alstott...Lord you have the words; Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
- (The former is fine. The latter reminds me too much of Mary had a little lamb.)
B. Farrell...O Lord, you search me
- (An excellent piece - hard to believe it came from the pen of the same composer that gave us goofy stuff like God beyond all names, which is one of the biggest run-on sentences in church music, and God has chosen me)
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Danish...Memorial Acclamation C and Amen
"Deirdre"...Christ be with me
- (Too bad this isn't in the music issue. Same with the tune's counterpart "St. Patrick's Breastplate". Too good, I guess. Sounded great in parts!)
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, February 8, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Anticipated Mass) - February 7, 2008
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
THAXTED...O God, beyond all praising
Alstott...Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted and Alleluia
- (After Mass I got to show Paul my knack for reharmonizing Psalm settings in the key of D whose melodies end in F-sharp, thus resulting in the Phrygian mode.)
Galliard...The Servant Song
- (This one isn't bad at all. Actually sounds like a hymn.)
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Danish...Christ Has Died and Amen
Haas...You Are Mine
- (Blech! Although I have to say Paul did the tune some justice by accompanying much less legato - it sounded more like an organ accompaniment than one of those arpeggiated piano accompaniments often seen by the "big three".)
Haas/DeYoung...We are called
- (As a favor I promised to my good friend Paul, no comment. Just refer to any previous remarks I made, OK?)
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
THAXTED...O God, beyond all praising
Alstott...Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted and Alleluia
- (After Mass I got to show Paul my knack for reharmonizing Psalm settings in the key of D whose melodies end in F-sharp, thus resulting in the Phrygian mode.)
Galliard...The Servant Song
- (This one isn't bad at all. Actually sounds like a hymn.)
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Danish...Christ Has Died and Amen
Haas...You Are Mine
- (Blech! Although I have to say Paul did the tune some justice by accompanying much less legato - it sounded more like an organ accompaniment than one of those arpeggiated piano accompaniments often seen by the "big three".)
Haas/DeYoung...We are called
- (As a favor I promised to my good friend Paul, no comment. Just refer to any previous remarks I made, OK?)
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, January 11, 2009
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2008 (9:30 AM)
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
"Winchester New"...On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry
Alstott...You will draw water joyfully and Alleluia
"Bunessan"...Baptized in Water
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Deiss...There is one Lord (I like most of Fr. Deiss' work, including this one, but not as a memorial acclamation)
Danish...Amen
"Pescador de Hombres"...Lord, you have come to the seashore
- (I actually don't mind this one.)
Schutte...Glory and praise to our God
- (First time I heard this sung was at a church in Cumberland, RI. The organist, who sang from the console, did her best impression of Minnie Pearl-meets-Tiny Tim on the line "who alone gives light to our days!" True story!)
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
"Winchester New"...On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry
Alstott...You will draw water joyfully and Alleluia
"Bunessan"...Baptized in Water
Vermulst...Sanctus and Agnus Dei from "People's Mass"
Deiss...There is one Lord (I like most of Fr. Deiss' work, including this one, but not as a memorial acclamation)
Danish...Amen
"Pescador de Hombres"...Lord, you have come to the seashore
- (I actually don't mind this one.)
Schutte...Glory and praise to our God
- (First time I heard this sung was at a church in Cumberland, RI. The organist, who sang from the console, did her best impression of Minnie Pearl-meets-Tiny Tim on the line "who alone gives light to our days!" True story!)
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, December 7, 2008
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2008
On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry..."Winchester New"
Lord, let us see your kindness...Alstott
Alleluia...Proulx/Mode I ("Missa Emmanuel")
There is a longing...Quigley
Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus...Haugen ("Massive Cremation")
- (In the words of my late priest friend, Fr. Henri Morin, "Heyyyy whatareyagonna do?")
Benedictus...Farrell
- (This tune, which Bernadette Farrell wrote for this, and for her Magnificat setting, is her absolute best. Actually really good. Almost reminds me of a David Evans tune called "Charterhouse".)
- O come, O come, Emmanuel (verses 3 and 4)..."Veni, Veni, Emmanuel"
Peace,
BMP
Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2008
On Jordan's bank the baptist's cry..."Winchester New"
Lord, let us see your kindness...Alstott
Alleluia...Proulx/Mode I ("Missa Emmanuel")
There is a longing...Quigley
Sanctus, Memorial, Amen, Agnus...Haugen ("Massive Cremation")
- (In the words of my late priest friend, Fr. Henri Morin, "Heyyyy whatareyagonna do?")
Benedictus...Farrell
- (This tune, which Bernadette Farrell wrote for this, and for her Magnificat setting, is her absolute best. Actually really good. Almost reminds me of a David Evans tune called "Charterhouse".)
- O come, O come, Emmanuel (verses 3 and 4)..."Veni, Veni, Emmanuel"
Peace,
BMP
Sunday, October 26, 2008
MUSIC FOR HOLY MASS
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
EIN' FESTE BERG...A mighty fortress is our God
- They used the text written by the wife of Robert Schuller (of Hour of Power fame)
Alstott...I love you, Lord, my strength and Alleluia
PICARDY...Christians, let us love one another
Proulx...Sanctus, Christ has died, and Amen from A Community Mass
Isele...Agnus Dei from Holy Cross Mass
Peloquin...Faith, hope, and love from Lyric Liturgy
- My eyes lit up like a pinball machine when I heard this! I was in my glory!
AZMON...The Spirit sends us forth to serve
Peace,
BMP
St. John the Baptist Church, Pawtucket, RI
EIN' FESTE BERG...A mighty fortress is our God
- They used the text written by the wife of Robert Schuller (of Hour of Power fame)
Alstott...I love you, Lord, my strength and Alleluia
PICARDY...Christians, let us love one another
Proulx...Sanctus, Christ has died, and Amen from A Community Mass
Isele...Agnus Dei from Holy Cross Mass
Peloquin...Faith, hope, and love from Lyric Liturgy
- My eyes lit up like a pinball machine when I heard this! I was in my glory!
AZMON...The Spirit sends us forth to serve
Peace,
BMP
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