Here the urgent, dramatic orchestration pulls us down into King David's turbulent emotions as he comes to acknowledge his sinfulness and his need for God's mercy.
Have Mercy! Allegri’s Miserere on the 1st Monday in Lent
Today's Music Monday For the 1st week of Lent features Allegri's Miserere, a beautiful and moving composition that also has an interesting history.
The Last Chance Before Lent: Haydn’s Te Deum
Yes, this is the last chance: Lent is approaching fast. Ash Wednesday is just two days away. This is our last chance to get in a joyful sacred composition by our old friend Joseph Haydn before the penitential season begins.
Music for Love and Marriage: Handel’s “He Shall Feed His Flock”
"He Shall Feed His Flock" emphasizes the love of the God who is Love (see John 4:8) for all of us, but especially for our own love as expressed in the Sacrament of Marriage.
Music for the Presentation of Our Lord: Holst’s “Nunc Dimittis”
Nunc Dimittis Nunc Dimittis is one of my favorite compositions by the early 20th century composer Gustav Holst. Since tomorrow is the Feast of the Presentation, this seems a fine time to share a video I put together a few years ago. It combines a mesmerizing performance of Holst's piece with Caravaggio's painting of the … Continue reading Music for the Presentation of Our Lord: Holst’s “Nunc Dimittis”
Bread of Angels: St. Thomas Aquinas’ “Panis Angelicus”
Bread of Angels May the Bread of AngelsBecome bread for mankind . . . St. Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican, one of the greatest of all philosophers, and arguably the greatest of Catholic theologians. His feast day comes this week, on January 28th. We tend to think of him as a pretty cerebral fellow. And so … Continue reading Bread of Angels: St. Thomas Aquinas’ “Panis Angelicus”
Mozart Makes The Gloria Soar
You've heard it hundreds of times, maybe thousands. But how much do you know about it? Or have you ever wondered where it comes from, or how it got into the Mass?
What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
What is Man? What is Man in the eyes of God, that is. The Psalmist expresses a thought that has surely occurred to all of us, at one time or other: When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,the moon and the stars which thou hast established;what is man that thou art … Continue reading What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
We Three Kings: Music for Epiphany
"We Three Kings of Orient Are . . ." Is there anyone out there who doesn't know this song? It's easily the most familiar hymn associated with Epiphany, at least as we celebrate the feast in the Western Church.
Wonder at the Incarnation: O Magnum Mysterium
"O Magnum Mysterium" - I've often thought that, however amazing it is that God could create this immeasurable universe, there's something much more astounding: He chose to become one of us . . .