Anyone who would like to know Pope Francis’ understanding of the Church’s self-understanding and role in the world would do well to read this document.
An Item for the Book Budget
This summer a scholarly book is appearing that many readers will not want to miss.
Dr. Lauren Pristas’ precise, scholarly studies of the collects of the Roman Missal have already appeared in articles published in theological journals such as Nova et Vetera, Communio, and The Thomist.
Now Dr. Pristas’ work is emerging in book form, and it is sure to make a mighty splash in the liturgical sea.
In addition to reflecting on the translation issues that have been part of our Catholic liturgical dialogue for the last decade, it is essential that we begin to dig more deeply. It is time for us to examine the Latin texts of our orations, and to consider the manner in which they were composed or adapted after the Council. This is courageous work, and it must be done with honesty and scholarly care.
As the articles linked above demonstrate, Dr. Pristas is thoroughly knowledgeable about her subject, and precise in her method, and painstakingly careful in her conclusions. Her book deserves to be widely read and studied during this Year of Faith.
Pennies From Heaven
We’ve had a great response to the Colloquium scholarship fund challenge I issued about a week ago. We were able to raise the $1050, and then some. So that means there are now some additional funds available. Write to us at programs@musicasacra.com
What a picture
Still, I can’t entirely get over how incredible it is that such pictures exist: Pope and former Pope.
How Organ plus Mixed Voices Changes Chant
Outdoor Masses can be a real struggle because the chant can die outdoors without serious audio adjustments. In this case, this Papal Mass dealt with it in a way that is rather common: organ accompaniment with mixed voices. The verses they chose to sing in choral style with a rather nice arrangement. The results are completely different from what we experienced in our parish yesterday but it is still beautiful and interesting.
At the same time, listen to how spectacular this Palestrina motet comes off in the same venue. This is so wonderful.
Happy World Organ Day
Today, hundreds of concerts will take place around the world to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the founding of the Paris Cathedral. This one in Boston is among them.
Ward Method at Sacred Music Colloquium
Ward Method Studies in Colorado
Dr. Alise A. Brown, music educator and teacher of the Ward Method at the University of Northern Colorado — who will also be presenting on the Ward Method at this year’s Sacred Music Colloquium — has kindly allowed the CMAA to make available on-line her 2007 dissertation, The Life of Justine Ward.
The University of North Colorado offers Ward method studies every summer under Dr. Brown’s direction; for information on 2013 offerings, see: Ward Method I and Ward Method II.
The full title of her study is The Life of Justine Ward; her Work in Comparison to Orff and Kodaly; with Applications for the Public School Classroom.
She writes:
Music classrooms today usually include some form of instruction that includes elements of Orff or Kodály methods. The purpose of using these methods is to increase learning. Each of the methods helps provide needed stimulation in one or more areas that will hopefully lead to music literacy. But there is another method, the Ward Method, created by Justine Ward, an American-born woman. The first book of her Catholic Education Series appeared in 1914. Her unique method is based in principles of the Chevé method from France in the 1800s and on Gregorian chant.