Disappearing Act Giaochino Rossini, in his time, enjoyed a reputation as the most successful composer of operas in history. He created such enduring favorites as The Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, and William Tell. Then, having composed an astounding 39 operas before his 37th birthday in 1829, he simply stopped.  For the rest of his … Continue reading Giaochino Rossini: Agnus Dei

On the Edge Do you want to talk about living on the edge? “Few composers can boast on their curricula vitae,”  wrote R.J. Stove in Catholic World Report, “a deliberate and successful avoidance of gelding. Haydn could.” Indeed he could. It was only through the timely and forceful intervention of his father that the young … Continue reading Living on the Edge – “The Heavens Are Telling” from Haydn’s The Creation

Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi Lex Orandi, “the law of praying,” equals Lex Credendi, “the law of believing.” I’ll explore the practical application of this old aphorism in a moment. First, picture Sunday Mass in a typical parish.  A mother comes up for communion holding a small child in her arms.  As she approaches the priest, … Continue reading Lex Orandi: Has Tradition Become a Dirty Word?

In addition to its traditional chant setting, the Stabat Mater has appeared in a large number of musical settings. In fact, starting with Josquin des Prez in the 16th century, Wikipedia list sixty-six composers. I posted Pergolesi’s setting this past Lent. As it happens, eighteen of those have been since 1985.

We need to bear in mind that this was really a struggle not simply of peoples or of nations, but between Christendom and Islam. In other words, between radically different visions of God.

Jesus is not at all hesitant about reminding his followers that discipleship is not a warm and fuzzy business.  On the contrary, he says: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:11) It’s going to happen.

Slavery in Rationalia? Does the title “Slavery in Rationalia” leave you puzzled? You’ve probably never heard of the place, much less considered the issue of servitude there. It’s a curious topic. I’ll get to it. I’d like to start, however, with a visit I once made a small local fish store. As I was paying for … Continue reading Slavery in Rationalia

Dark Night of the Soul My Monday Music selections are usually compositions from the treasury of Catholic sacred music, some of them centuries old. There are still some composers even today, however, who are composing music worthy of that tradition. A couple months ago I posted a setting to the “Te Deum” by Pedro Camacho. … Continue reading ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ by Ola Gjeilo