Trust in God Trust in God and he will save you. Trust in men and, well, tough luck. Our first reading on this 4th Sunday of Advent is about a king who refuses to trust in the Lord: The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying:Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;let it be deep as … Continue reading Trust in God: 4th Sunday of Advent
Evermore and Evermore: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.”
Sixty human generations or more have passed since Aurelius Prudentius first published hymn IX of his Liber Cathereminon. We still sing it today as the Christmas hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten."
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 . . .
2nd Sunday of Advent: Lo, How A Rose
Root of Jesse 2nd Sunday
Subversive Beauty: Byrd’s Credo for Four Voices
I suppose I should mention that, in the midst of it all, he wrote some incredibly beautiful music. The excerpt below, for instance, from his Mass for Four Voices. This is one of a large number of Catholic liturgical pieces Byrd composed in the 1590's and 1600's for use in illegal (and quite hazardous) Masses at the home of his patron, Sir John Petre.
The Attraction of Sanctity and Holy Innocents: 4th Day of Christmas
As I observed in my recent posts on St. Servulus, St. Nicasius, and St. Anastasia, lesser observances are often overwhelmed during great celebrations such as Christmas and Easter.
Small Beginnings: 4th Sunday of Advent
How can it be that the Firstborn of All Creation was born again as a little human baby? A baby lying in a manger out of which animals feed? From small beginnings . . .
Fickle Fame and Salieri’s “Gloria”
Fickle Fame Fickle Fame is a confounding thing. It's often the way that a well-regarded artist falls out of fashion. Despite the worthiness of his or her work, the artist is forgotten by subsequent generations. Even truly great artists can meet this fate: The 16th century poet John Donne was largely unknown until another poet, … Continue reading Fickle Fame and Salieri’s “Gloria”
I Rejoiced! Monteverdi’s “Laetatus Sum”
The New Testament, as St. Augustine pointed out, is concealed in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New. And, here, beautifully put to music.
Sacred Music: Allegri’s Adoremus in Aeternum
Sacred music is a topic near and dear to my hear. More importantly, it is dear to the heart of the Church. Consider what the Second Vatican Council had to say . . .