RIP STEVEO

CV's own Steve Ohmer (SteveO) died about 7 AM yesterday after battling a long illness.

In paradisum deducant te angeli
In tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres
Et perducant te in civitatem sanctam
Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum
Te suscipiat
Et cum Lazaro quandam paupere
Eternam habeas requiem.

Peace,
BMP

RICHARD HILLERT (1923-2010)

I just learned through the CTNMusic message boards that a second well-known composer died last Thursday. Richard Hillert, just one month short of his 87th birthday, died last Thursday. Though many of his works are included mainly in Lutheran hymnals, one hymn of his stands out in hymnals of many denominations, including Roman Catholic - Festival Canticle: Worthy is Christ (This is the feast of victory for our God).

Peace,
BMP

RICHARD PROULX (1937-2010)

Yes, sadly, you read that title right. Renowned composer Richard Proulx died last night - just a couple of months short of his 73rd birthday. Got the news via his fan page on Facebook, which I am a member of. He leaves a legacy of some of the best post-Vatican II music written for the English-speaking Church. May he rest in peace.

Jeffrey Tucker from The New Liturgical Movement couldn't say this better:
He worked to keep standards high, as a reflection of his own background and serious training, and managed a substantial amount of influence in connecting the style of contemporary music back to an authentic Catholic tradition. As you browse through current materials available from mainstream publishers, it is predictable that anything by Proulx will be a cut above the rest, as most Catholic musicians have noted.

So true!

Peace,
BMP

NOEL GOEMANNE (1926-2010)

Noel Goemanne, a noted Catholic Church musician and composer of many pieces of music and Masses performed by choirs and organists throughout the world, died Jan. 12 in Dallas from complications of colon cancer. He was 83.

Read the whole thing here.
Peace,
BMP

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 español'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

FOUR CELEBRITIES CROAKED LAST WEEKEND...

...and the only one you hear about is Michael Jackson.

One would think Ed McMahon would get more glory here. Far more experienced in entertainment - renowned game show host and faithful sidekick to the beloved Johnny Carson -, and far more morally straight! The man knew where it was at.

Billy Mays, with his ultimate sales pitches, could sell you a mosquito! He'd make a KILLER Schwan's salesman!

Then there's Farrah Fawcett, who just about all the guys in my grade school classes had a crush on.

Michael Jackson, sorry to say, never impressed me. Though I never wish death or unfortunate consequences on anyone, not even my worst enemy, I have to say that his was the only death I did not mourn. Yet his is the only death I hear about lately. I will forego passing judgement on his pedophilia trial from 2005.

What's fair is fair. God will deal with such issues as he sees fit.

I close this post with Ed McMahon and Johnny Carson in one of my favorite late night skits, Carnac the Magnificent.

Peace,
BMP

Tragedy on the road

The aunt of the young woman who is teaching music this year, was killed in a terrible auto accident Thursday evening. She was on her way to Kingville from Corpus, and a college prof was headed to Corpus. The prof fell asleep at the wheel, his car jumped the median and the crash happened. There is no way, looking at the car, that the woman could have survived. The family is very upset, as you can imagine.

Because the deceased woman was the aunt of our teacher, we're probably going to have the school kids present at the funeral.

More on the funeral liturgy later..... "unfortunately" one of the music requests was Be Not Afraid. Sometimes ya gotta bite the bullet. This is one I'd rather not taste.

I'll be doing my best to make sure that we sing at least one resurrection hymn.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

SteveO

MICHAEL DUBRUIEL (1958-2009)

Michael Dubruiel, husband of well-known Catholic blogger Amy Welborn, died February 3, 2009. He was 50.

Sorry I caught this late, but my condolences and prayers are with Amy and her family.
Peace,
BMP

WHAT THE SAM HELL IS WITH THE OBITUARIES LATELY?

It used to be that when I read the obituaries in the local paper, the obituary would announce that someone died. Now when I read the obituaries in the same paper, that person no longer died. He/she "passed away", or was "born into eternal life".

One obituary I read recently mentioned someone who "completed her life". WTF???

Now, if a paper's going to write an obituary about someone "passing away", or "completing his/her life", or "entering eternal life", how about writing an obituary about someone who "croaked" or "expired" or "kicked the bucket" or "bit the dust"? Or maybe someone who "took one for the team"?

When I hear the words "passed away", I think of someone floating away in mid air right past me.
Peace,
BMP

JOSEPH GELINEAU, 1920-2008

It wasn't until I logged into GIA's website today (for the first time in about a month) that I learned about the death of the French Jesuit Pere Joseph Gelineau on Friday, August 8. He was 87, and had been a priest for 67 years.

Pere Gelineau was best known for his musical settings of the Psalms, originally in French, and later in English (Grail translation). Many of his Psalm tones appear with the Psalms as they appear with the Lectionary readings in Worship III. The Good Lord knows I've used and enjoyed (and still do enjoy) many of them over the years at the organ console at Holy Mass.

GIA has this obituary at their website:

With heavy hearts, the people of GIA Publications, Inc. mourn the passing of a liturgical and musical legend, Father Joseph Gelineau, SJ (1920-2008), pastor and visionary. His contribution to the world of liturgical music was both ground breaking and prolific. Gelineau devoted his life to liturgy and was instrumental in the movement toward the Second Vatican Council. He was most renowned for his numerous psalm tones (covering the entire Psalter), which were originally written for the Psalter of the Bible de Jérusalem, and were later applied to the Grail Psalter in English. For over 60 years he also composed for Brother Roger and the Taizé Community. The spiritual power of his music inspired many and now lives in the hearts and minds of Christians worldwide. He died in Sallanches, August 8, 2008 at the age of 87 after 67 years as a Jesuit priest.

Fr. Gelineau's funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, August 12, 2008, in the village of Vallorcine in the Savoy Alps.

May he rest in eternal peace with his Jesuit brothers in Grenoble, France.

Fr. Gelineau will be missed. May his legacy of excellent music live on!
Peace,
BMP

RIP: MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE STAND-UP COMIC

George Carlin (1937-2008)



George died of heart failure last night. He was 71. His routine on Cars and Driving was a very good depiction of those "idiots with licenses" that really hits home in Rhode Island.

Another favorite was his recurring Ways to Keep People Alert.

You're driving, you pull up to someone and yell out, "Pull over, pull over, pull over!"
He pulls over, you keep going!

Peace,
BMP

DON GILLIS, 1922-2008

A Christus Vincit Sports Obituary

I've mentioned a few times before that I am a longtime fan of candlepin bowling. Longtime Boston sportscaster and host of WCVB-TV Channel 5's Candlepin Bowling Don Gillis died last night after suffering a series of strokes within the last three weeks. He's also had Alzheimer's in recent years. He was 85.

Candlepin Bowling aired on Channel 5 in Boston from 1958-1996. Don replaced Jim Britt as host until 1967 and stayed on until the show's finale.

Fellow YouTuber Wolfman posted this montage of some of Don's highlights. Enjoy!



Peace,
BMP

RIP: JAY RICKETTS

I just received an e-mail from the family of Jay Ricketts, founder of the Yahoo group Contemporary Catholic Music, as well as member of a Yahoo group I once founded, Lit-Mus-Comp, as well as author of the blog St. Cecilia Was Here, announcing Jay's death as of early this morning. My prayers and condolensces to Jay's family and friends, as well as for the repose of Jay's soul. The cause of his death was unknown at this time. He was 52.

Peace,
BMP

LUCIEN DEISS, 1921-2007

Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., well-known composer of many of the better modern Psalm-based and Scripture-based responsories, such as "All the Earth Proclaim the Lord", "Keep in Mind", and "Grant to Us, O Lord", died yesterday.

This obituary was posted on one message board by an official from World Library Publications, the copyright holder of most of Fr. Deiss' work, and was forwarded to another message board that I frequent:

On Tuesday, October 9, 2007, Reverend Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., celebrated what he often referred to as "the most joyful day of my life' in returning home to be with his Lord. His funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13at Seminaire des Missiones in Larue, France.

Best known to Roman Catholics in the U.S. through his scriptural songs such as "All the Earth", "Keep in Mind", and "Grant to Us, O Lord", Fr. Deiss was also widely known in Europe and the United States as a scholar in the fields of Sacred Scripture and Patristics. He was selected by Pope Paul VI to coordinate the Lectionary psalter following the Second Vatican Council. His "Biblical Hymns and Psalms" was the first significant way that millions of Catholics in the U.S. came to sing the Word of God and treasure it in their hearts. For this he was given an honorary Doctorate in Sacred Music from Duquesne University. A tireless advocate of the reforms of Vatican II, Fr. Deiss continually encouraged those who worked in liturgical reform in this country to remain fervent in prayer to the Holy Spirit, and he dedicated much of his life to liturgical catechesis through workshops and the well-known "Deiss days" sponsored by WLP (then World Library of Sacred Music). He was, above all, a man of prayer, dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharist, and was always filled with a gentle and loving humor.

We at WLP mourn the passing of Fr. Deiss, and share in his joy as he lives and sings for all ages in the eternal light of his Risen Savior.

"Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us and is risen from the dead.
He is our saving Lord. He is joy for all ages!

Peace,
BMP

MERV GRIFFIN (1925-2007)

Merv Griffin, entertainer and entertainment entrepreneur extraordinaire, died today of prostate cancer. He was 82.

Full story at WJAR-TV Channel 10 (Providence).
Peace,
BMP

RIP, KAREN MARIE KNAPP

Karen Marie Knapp, author of the blog From the Anchor Hold, has died in her sleep last night. More info at Mark Shea's blog. We at Christus Vincit pray for the repose of her soul.

UPDATE: Here's her obituary from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Knapp, Karen Marie Age 51, died unexpectedly August 2, 2007 while visiting her family in Akron, OH. Karen was born and raised in Akron and had resided in Milwaukee the past 33 years. She retired as library clerk for the Milwaukee County Library and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral Parish in Milwaukee. She was a Hamm Radio operator and avid blogger (From The Anchor Hold). She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet "Mary" and is survived by her father, Lawrence E. Knapp and brothers and sisters, Thomas, Michael, James, Laura (Randy) Alderman, Susan (Jim) Spangler, Victoria (Craig) Brechbuhler and Christine (Mark) Litteral and 8 nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00PM Sunday in The Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00AM Monday in Immaculate Heart of Mary. Final resting place Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to your local food bank in Karen's name. Clifford-Shoemaker 330-928-2147

Peace,
BMP

RIP BRAD DELP

Lead singer of Boston

Brad Delp, lead singer of the rock band Boston (one of my favorite bands growing up), died today in his home in New Hampshire. Cause of death is unknown at this time. No foul play has been indicated. He was 55.
Source

Peace,
BMP

RIP Gian Carlo Menotti

ROME - Gian Carlo Menotti, who composed a pair of Pulitzer Prize-winning
operas and founded the Spoleto arts festivals in the United States and
Italy, died Thursday at a hospital in Monaco, his son said. He was 95.

"He died pretty peacefully and without any pain. He died in my arms," said
Francis Menotti by telephone from Monte Carlo.

The Italian composer won Pulitzers for a pair of the 20th century's more
successful operas: "The Consul," which premiered in 1950 in Philadelphia,
and "The Saint of Bleecker Street," which opened at New York's Broadway
Theater in 1954. "The Consul" also earned him the New York Drama Critics
Circle award as the best musical play of the year in 1954.

He also wrote the Christmas classic "Amahl and the Night Visitors" for NBC,
which was broadcast in 1951 and may have been the first opera written for
television. Menotti also authored the libretto for "Vanessa," which was
composed by Samuel Barber, and revised the libretto for Barber's "Antony and
Cleopatra." In addition to working together, Barner and Menotti shared a
house in Westchester, a New York suburb, for many years.

By 1976, The New York Times called Menotti the most-performed opera composer
in the United States.

His Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, and Spoleto Festival USA, of
Charleston, S.C., sought to bring together fresh creative forces in U.S. and
European culture. The tradition launched young artists into impressive
careers. Shirley Verrett sang her first performance of Bizet's "Carmen" in
Spoleto in 1962; in 1959, Patrice Chereau launched his opera career with a
much-praised production of Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri"; and Tennessee
Williams' "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore" premiered in 1962. From
Spoleto's stages, dancers such as Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp went on to
shape the direction of contemporary dance.

Menotti said he was on the verge of giving up his direction of the cultural
festivals several times ‹ in 1990, he said he wanted to quit the South Carolina event because he was being "treated like the clerk."

He eventually did leave the U.S. festival, in October 1993, after a series
of bitter disagreements with the festival's board about financial and
artistic control.

But despite his frequent urges to leave, Menotti seemed always as engaged as
ever ‹ even more. "I feel like the sorcerer's apprentice ‹ I've started
something and I don't know how to stop it," Menotti said in 1981 in Spoleto.

For three weeks each summer, Spoleto, population 35,000, is visited by
nearly a half-million people. The festival also surrounded Menotti with the
"affection and warmth" that is "so important for our creative life," as he
put it.

"Many composers live in an ivory tower, composing for a small group of
aficionados. Here, I'm surrounded by the life of the festival," he said.

He once compared his work at the festival to making bread ‹ a hands-on
process requiring time and attention.

Despite the care, Menotti delighted in improvisation. Festival programs were
rarely set more than a year in advance and often saw last-minute changes,
giving the artistic programs freshness.

"Fate has blessed me," he told The New York Times in 2001. "But if there's
one thing I regret, it's this accursed festival. It's robbed too much of my
time from composition and from the chance to just be curious about life, art
and philosophy. Suddenly there's no time left, and it makes me feel
desperate."

Born July 7, 1911, in Cadegliano near Lake Maggiore and the Swiss border, he
was the sixth child of Alfonso and Ines Menotti.

A boy wonder who began composing songs at age 7 and wrote his first opera at
11, Menotti was for a time the most decorated and sought-after composer of
his generation.

Encouraged by his mother, he received formal musical training in Italy and
the United States, studying at the Verdi Conservatory in Milan and later at
the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

His first mature opera, "Amelia Goes to the Ball," in 1937, earned
international recognition.

Many of his works written in the TV age lent themselves well to the medium.
Among his later operas were "The Old Maid and the Thief," "The Medium" and
"The Telephone.

Menotti also wrote music for ballet, orchestra and other productions, as
well as the librettos for all his operas. He also directed operas ‹ his own
and works of other composers.

Among his achievements in his later years was an ambitious staging of
"Parsifal" for the 1987 Spoleto program. He was also commissioned to write
an opera for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Reflecting about Spoleto's meaning during the 30th anniversary of the
festival's founding, Menotti said in 1987: "I needed to feel that I was
needed. Thirty years ago, Spoleto was on the verge of bankruptcy. Now it's a
flourishing town that owes its life to the festival."

Menotti, who lived in both Monaco and Scotland, returned to the Spoleto
festival every year to celebrate his birthday, including this past July.

Although he held Italian citizenship, Menotti called himself an
Italian-American.

Said Menotti in 1981: "I started Spoleto because I did not want to be the
marginal person, the entertainer. I wanted to have a community, to be part
of a community."

JAMES L'HEUREUX (1952-2007)

James L'Heureux, my wife's uncle, died this 8:30 AM EST this morning, just two days shy of his 55th birthday. His death follows a 24-year battle with cancer. Prayers requested for the repose of his soul. His suffering is now ended.
Thank you.

In Paradisum deducant te angeli: in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres,
et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere,
aeternam habeas requiem.
May the angels lead you into Paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you,
and take you unto the holy city, Jerusalem.
May the choirs of angels welcome you, where Lazarus is no longer poor,
may you have eternal rest.

Remember the promise of Christ:
Ego sum resurrectio et vita: qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet:
et omnis qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeternum.
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he is dead, shall live,
and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

Peace,
BMP

RIP CROCODILE HUNTER

The Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin, was killed by a stingray today while filming a new documentary. He was 44.

Peace,
BMP