Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Domine, non sum dignus (Victoria)

Somebody alerted me to this video of the Taipei Male Choir. Enjoy! Call me a stiff-neck, but my only complaint is that there's a bit too much swaying.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Digital pipe organ










Here's an interesting thread from the CMAA Resource mailing list:
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According to tradition would it be ok to stop using the usual pipe organ in disrepair or close, for a digital substitute such as Allan or Johannes organs? At the moment my parish uses a Yamaha electric organ eventhough we have an old, though working pipe organ, *scream!!!*. Please forgive my informal post!

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The De musica of 1958 says:
B. The classic organ and similar instruments.

61. The principal musical instrument for solemn liturgical ceremonies of the Latin Church has been and remains the classic pipe organ.

62. An organ destined for liturgical use, even if small, should be designed according to the norms of organ building, and be equipped with the type of pipes suitable for sacred use. Before it is to be used it should be properly blessed, and as a sacred object, receive proper care.

63. Besides the classic organ, the harmonium or reed organ may also be used provided that its tonal quality, and volume are suitable for sacred use.

64. As a substitute, the electronic organ may be tolerated temporarily for liturgical functions, if the means for obtaining even a small pipe organ are not available. In each case, however, the explicit permission of the local Ordinary is required. He, on his part, should consult the diocesan commission on sacred music, and others trained in this field, who can make suggestions for rendering such an instrument more suitable for sacred use.

Electronic organs have come a long way since 1958. The wording of the final sentence suggests that the objection to the electronic organ was not the fact that it was electric but that it did not remotely sound like a pipe organ. Vatican II in Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963) has this to add:

120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.

But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.

I should think this clearly permits use of a good electronic instrument, though the pipe organ still is the "official" instrument. After all, nothing but a pipe can really sound like a pipe. I think it is safe to say that all organs in heaven are pipe organs, although there may be a non-punitive limbo for decent electronic organs.
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Nothing can match the beautiful sound of a first-class pipe organ. However, if the choice is between a digital organ and a [digital] piano, guitar, drums, or other electronically amplified music instruments, the electronic organ would be preferable, until a proper pipe organ may be acquired.
Digital organs are NOT cheaper than pipe organs; they just don't live as long. If anyone wants more information on this topic, or some help to convince your parish please contact me.
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That's right. And a pipe organ will live for centuries, properly maintained.
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In fact a pipe organ, properly maintained, lasts indefinitely, whereas a digital organ is no organ at all but rather an electric appliance, which, like any other appliance, wears out after a while.



Monday, June 11, 2007

Nativity of St John the Baptist

For June 24, 2007 which is the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, a first class feast superseding the 2nd class 4th Sunday after Pentecost, we are going to sing:
  1. Procession: We Praise Thee For The Baptist (a.k.a. From All Thy Saints In Warfare) (AH#592)
  2. Asperges me
  3. Introit: De ventre matris meae
  4. Kyrie VIII
  5. Gloria VIII
  6. Gradual: Priusquam te formarem
  7. Alleluia: Tu, puer, propheta Altissimi
  8. Credo IV
  9. Offertory: Iustus ut palma florebit
  10. Offertory hymn: Ut Queant Laxis
  11. Sanctus VIII
  12. Agnus Dei VIII
  13. Communion hymn: Cor Dulce, Cor Amabile
  14. Communion: Tu, puer, propheta Altissimi
  15. Recession: Salve Regina (solemn tone)
Click on the links to hear samples where available.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

2nd Sunday after Pentecost

For June 10, 2007 which is the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, we are going to sing:
  1. Procession: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
  2. Asperges me
  3. Introit: Factus est Dominus
  4. Kyrie IV
  5. Gloria IV
  6. Gradual: Ad Dominum
  7. Alleluia: Domine, Deus meus
  8. Credo III
  9. Offertory: Domine, convertere
  10. Offertory hymn: Adoramus te Christe (G.P. Palestrina)
  11. Sanctus IV
  12. Agnus Dei IV
  13. Communion hymn: Anima Christi
  14. Communion: Cantabo Domino
  15. Recession: Hail, True Victim, Life And Light
Click on the links to hear samples where available.