First, a happy Thanksgiving to all Americans and a happy belated Thanksgiving to all Canadians. For the rest of you, a happy whatever holiday allows you a four day weekend and the opportunity to induce a gluttonous stupor.
A few days ago, I was directed by another blog to yet another blog where I read an essay about how many Catholic bloggers are always focusing on the negative and is that really a Christian attitude? I'd link it, but I can't find it and I'm too lazy to google it. Besides, there's something vaguely unsettling about google, is there not? Just how do those people know so much about so many other people and their various activities and what not, hmmmm? No sir, don't like it.
Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes. This essay. Which made me realize that every time I post something it's negative. So today, on this day set aside by our masonic overlords influenced by Enlightenment thinking to give thanks to our non-denominational great Architect in the sky, I thought I would post things that I really like. Specifically, church songs. I maintain it would be too much to call them hymns, but they are music of a sort. These aren't the only songs I like. Just the ones you might not suspect. And I can't be held responsible for their theological dubiousness. Or the poor You Tube performances.
Enjoy.
Finally, a really nice one. Though, I must say, this version is troubling. It sounds too....what's the word I'm looking for....traditional. Yes, that's it. It would sound much better on a guitar.
Stop your internal dialog. We can't have Palestrina at every Mass, now can we? See, I really am just a harmless little teddy bear. With flowers in my hair...
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I wish I could watch the vids, but my computer doesn't seem to like YouTube very much. I can't even watch my own YouTube videos on this computer. :(
Oh great! From now on, I will always picture you with flowers in your hair! :P
Nobody likes You Tube. Just like nobody likes Microsoft. But, it's really all we've got, so.....we're stuck with it.
I can just picture all you Mac fanatics typing your supercilious replies. Save it. We prefer to wallow in our own craptitude.
First and foremost, what's wrong with Palestrina at every mass? Or Allegri?
Anyway, these truly are communal pieces that can be heard during Catholic services anywhere at anytime. The problem with these is that they are SO common they've become cliche. I have sung these many times before in the choir that I was a part of at ST. Anne's here in Las Vegas. But you know that there is much more to Catholic music than this. Our choir director aims for pieces no one has ever heard before, and not once has he introduced something into our repertoire that I can honestly call trash. There are two songs, however, that I think all of Christendom can do without: one is How Great Thou Art, and the other one is Gounod’s Ave Maria. Not that there is something inherently evil about these two pieces, it’s just that I’m so TIRED of listening to them that they have become the cacophonous and banal.
Yes, give me Palestrina, Allegri, Thomas Tallis, John Tavenor and Arvo Part. Their music is overwhelmingly contemplative and resonate with sacred sonancy.
Tom
Nothing wrong with Palestrina at every Mass, Tom. It's simply a matter of practicality. Try weaning Sally Suburb and the Hand-Holding Hordes at the average parish nowadays from the sacro-pop and introducing some real music....you'd have a riot.
We're in a liturgical wasteland. Accommodations must be made.
I could do without A Mighty Fortress is Our God. I'd suggest a pleasant bonfire could be started with every copy of it on earth, along with its author. However, I suspect he might already be pretty toasty right now. Just a guess.
There I go with my uncharitable, negative postings again...
doc, you crack me up all the time. :) i own a mac, and iam pretty pleased with it. that doesn't mean youtube co-operates with leopard.
NOT enough Praiseworthy Hymns, rather Songs of Self Affirmation, permeate the Novus Ordo Climate in enough Parishes
My dear dh and I read in an old copy of 'Latin Mass' mag that 'Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent' is truly a fabulous song, directed toward an outward display of modesty, echoing the inward modesty properly displayed when in the presence of our Almighty Lord.
Anyway, it had been awhile since I had heard it, long enough that I couldn't remember all the words, so we looked it up in 'Worship' while making a Holy Hour last night... stunningly beautiful.
I happen to love How Great Thou Art but not for reasons one might suspect ~~ it's Granny's favorite.
Unlike many of my Trad and Trad wannabe friends, I don't think Amazing Grace is heretical; hopeful is how I hear it.
I have also come to like some kids songs sung in the 40's and 50's to teach kids their catechism. Songs like "The Father is God and the First Person of the Blessed Trinity". [gasp] it uses 'Holy GHOST'!!!!.
On a totally unrelated note, what is with the cap the organ player is wearing. Are these required garb for Church musicians? The guitar player at my N.O. parish wears one of these. I know, I know... "guitar player?" but we have an altar rail, kneel for Communion, recieve on the tongue, and will have an opportunity for TLM on every Sunday starting next!!
I guess this is where I can admit that when I hear this particular guitar player at Mass I honestly feel that is how music sounded when Our Lord walked on earth???
Thanks, Doc, for some entertainment this morning...
This is why organists, and all musicians for that matter, should be heard and not seen. Back to the loft, with the whole lot of you. We don't want you on stage in front of the church, you attention hounds.
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