These are nice chant settings of the Mass in English.
Hymn to St. Agnes
Just a quick re-post of my translation of the Ambrosian hymn Agnes beatae virginis, in honor of the Virgin Martyr whose feast we celebrate Monday.
The blessed virgin Agnes flies
back to her home above the skies.
With love she gave her blood on earth
to gain a new celestial birth.
back to her home above the skies.
With love she gave her blood on earth
to gain a new celestial birth.
Mature enough to give her life,
though still too young to be a wife,
what joy she shows when death appears
that one would think: her bridegroom nears!
Her captors lead her to the fire
but she refuses their desire,
“For it is not such smold’ring brands
Christ’s virgins take into their hands.”
“This flaming fire of pagan rite
extinguishes all faith and light.
Then stab me here, so that the flood
may overcome this hearth in blood.”
Courageous underneath the blows,
her death a further witness shows,
for as she falls she bends her knee
and wraps her robes in modesty.
O Virgin-born, all praises be
to You throughout eternity.
and unto everlasting days
to Father and the Spirit, praise.
Ward Courses will be offered in Colorado this July
Ward method classes, taught by Dr. Alise Brown, will be offered at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado as follows: Ward I will be offered July 8-12 and 15-17; the dates for Ward II are July 22-26 and 29-31. The cost is $825 for in or out of state tuition for each course, with 3 credit hours available for each. More information can be found here
Dr. Alise Brown is an instructor of music education at UNC. She began her teaching career in Secondary English Education, but discovered that her love of music presented a more fulfilling career path. Dr. Brown received her Master of Music degree in Music Education and her Doctorate of Arts in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She has taught music in private and public schools at all levels.
She holds Orff and Kodaly training, and is fully certified in all levels of the Ward Method. Dr. Brown has been privileged to study under the Gregorian chant specialists Father Robert Skeris, previously of Vatican City, and Scott Turkington.
Dr. Brown specializes in music literacy and expressivity as taught in the Ward Method. Her work with two children’s choirs, ages 4 -12, and directing the Windsor Community Choir rely heavily on these same principles. Dr. Brown also leads workshops and gives in-service presentations to schools and organizations regarding the Ward Method and its tenets.
Teaching in the Music Education Area at UNC since 2001 has been Dr. Brown’s joy. She has also taught music appreciation at Dayspring University in Ft. Collins and at Rivendell College in Boulder. Write to Dr. Brown at alise.brown@unco.edu
Closing Mass at Winter Chant Intensive
This is the complete video of the closing Mass at the Winter Chant Intensive at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon, GA, from Friday, January 11. It is the OF Mass for Friday, celebrated ad orientem, with the sung propers from the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Conducing the men’s schola is composer Richard Rice from Alexandria, VA. Arlene Oost-Zinner of the St. Cecilia Schola in Auburn and Director of Programs for the CMAA is conducting the women’s schola. The lesson is being sung by Father Jonathan M. Venner of Sioux Fall, SC; the celebrant is Father Allan J. McDonald of St. Joseph’s in Macon. The hymn at the recessional is Alma Redemptoris Mater. The organist is Nelda Chapman of St. Joseph’s. It is quite something to think that at the beginning of the week, fewer than half of the participants in the chant courses had had any exposure to the chant at all. Yet within a few days they were able to achieve what you hear here. No miracle was needed..just a willingness to learn, and a lot of hard work. Deo Gratias.
Colloquium XXIII
I’ve just posted the preliminary schedule for this year’s Colloquium. The dates are June 17-23. Registration is open. Further details should be forthcoming within the week.
Join us!
“Help” with Hymn Tune Introits settings
Friends, could I please ask a favor regarding the Hymn Tune Introits that I’ve posted here. If you were able to use these in your local parish and if you composed a setting and/or included the text in a worship aid, I’d love to see a copy for a project I’m working on. Please send to kpluth@gmail.com. Many thanks!