Chant School - SoundSage

View Details

Link to Music

O Gregory, that once wast the apostle of the Angli, and now art a companion of the angels! protect now, as of old, the nations that believe in Christ.
Thou spurnest wealth and riches and all the glory of the world, that so thou, being poor, mayst follow the Lord Jesus, who was poor.
An angel presents himself to thee, in the garb of one that was shipwrecked, and asks an alms; thou first makest him a double gift, and then thou givest him a silver vase.
After this, Christ puts thee over his Church, for thou didst imitate the virtues, and now thou hast the honours, of Peter.
O excellent Pontiff! Light and ornament of the Church! Thou hast so richly instructed us, assist us in our dangers.
From thy lips there flows honey that brings sweetness to the heart. Thy. words are more fragrant than the richest perfume.
Admirably dost thou solve the obscure figures of sacred Writ. The divine mysteries are taught thee by him that is the very Truth.
O thou that hast the office and the glory of the apostles, pray for us, that we may be loosed from the bonds of sin, and obtain the thrones prepared for us above.
To the unbegotten Father, and to his only-begotten Son, and to the Spirit of them both be praise and highest kingship. Amen.What the fall could look like with Quacks in Steubenville

View Details

Link to Music

Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled

To follow close God's only Son,

Well didst thou brave thy battlefield,

And well thy heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray

That God may pardon us and bless;

For prayer keeps evil's plague away,

And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago, were loosed the chains

That held thy body once in thrall;

For us how many a bond remains!

O love of God release us all.

All praise to God the Father be,

All praise to Thee, Eternal Son;

All praise, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,

While never-ending ages run.

View Details

Link to Music

View Details

Link to the Music

MARY, Mother of Grace, Mother of mercy,

Shield me from the enemy

And receive me at the hour of my death.

Link to Music

Link to Music

Link to Music

Link to Music

Link to Music

Benedict, precious jewel of the King of Heaven,

Model for the just and way for monks,

Call us forth

From this troubled world.

Spurning what was base,

you set your heart on the stars.

You made heirs of your parents,

For you, God's perfect vessel,

Were fit to repair a shattered one.

Great among a small company of hermits

You overcame your youthfulness

and excelled in your labor

As you fervently undertook

The narrow beginnings of the strict life.

When a youth was buried

in the rubble of a collapsing wall,

He was raised up as soon as you prayed;

With your prayer you restored

Sense to his flesh and health to his body.

You saw your sister's soul, unknown to sin,

Attain the very heights

Of starry heaven

In the form of a gentle dove.

After this marvel you in turn

Sought starry heights, having mastered this life;

Your cloak shone forth

A flaming path charged with light.

Glory to the Father, to the Only Begotten,

And to you, loving Spirit,

Always their equal,

One God for all ages. Amen.

View Details

Link to Music

O Three in One, and One in Three, Who rulest all things mightily: Bow down to hear the songs of praise Which, freed from bonds of sleep, we raise.
While lingers yet the peace of night, We rouse us from our slumbers light: That might of instant prayer may win The healing balm for wounds of sin.
If, by the wiles of Satan caught, This night-time we have sinned in aught, That sin Thy glorious power to-day, From heaven descending, cleanse away.
Let naught impure our bodies stain, No laggard sloth our souls detain, No taint of sin our spirits know, To chill the fervor of their glow.
Wherefore, Redeemer, grant that we Fulfilled with Thine own light may be: That, in our course, from day to day, By no misdeed we fall away.
Grant this, O Father ever One With Christ, Thy sole-begotten Son, And Holy Ghost, whom all adore, Reigning and blest forevermore.

View Details

Link to Music

O light of dawn, O rosy glow, O Light from Light, all ages show Your beauty, and the martyrs fame, That gain us pardon from our blame.
The heavens' porter, and earth’s sage,The world’s bright lights who judge the age. One wins by cross, and one by sword, And life on high is their reward.
These are your princes, happy Rome! Their precious blood clothes you, their home. We praise not you, but praise their worth, Beyond all beauty of the earth.
Kind Shepherd, Peter, unto thee was given The keys to close and ope the gates of heaven; Strike from our souls the galling chain of crime, And gain the grace for which our hearts have striven.
O learned Paul, inspire us from above With all the graces of the Heavenly Dove; Bring us the faith to see the truth of God, And brighten earth with the sweet reign of love.
One love, one faith, twin olive trees, One great strong hope filled both of these. Full fonts, in your matched charity,Pray that we may in heaven be.
Give glory to the Trinity And honor to the Unity, And joy and pow’r, for their reign stays Today and through all endless days.

View Details

Link to Music

‘Let us sing with joyful hearts

And bearing the praise which we owe

Of eternal gifts of Christ

And the victories of the martyrs

Princes of the churches, [5]

triumphal leaders of the war,

soldiers of the heavenly court,

and true lights of the world,

After the terrors of the world are conquered,

And the punishment of the body scorned, [10]

They take hold of the blessed light

Through a direct path: holy death.

Martyrs are handed over to the flames,

and to the teeth of beasts;

the frenzied executioner’s hand [15]

armed with claws rages at them.

Their exposed entrails hang,

their holy blood pours out,

but they remain unmoving

by the grace of eternal life. [20]

The devoted faith of the saints,

the unconquered hope of believers,

the perfect charity of Christ

conquers the prince of the world.

In them is the Father’s glory, [25]

in them is the desire of the Spirit,

in them the Son exults,

heaven is filled with joy.

Now we beg you, Redeemer,

that you join your praying servants [30]

in a fellowship of martyrdom,

Forever and ever.’

View Details

Link to Music - Quem Terra

Link to Music - O Gloriosa Domina

The God whom earth, and sea, and sky

adore, and laud, and magnify,

who o'er their threefold fabric reigns,

the Virgin's spotless womb contains.

The God whose will by moon, and sun,

and all things in due course is done,

is borne upon a Maiden's breast,

by fullest heavenly grace possessed.

How blest that Mother, in whose shrine

the great Artificer Divine,

whose hand contains the earth and sky,

vouchsafed, as in His ark, to lie.

Blest, in the message Gabriel brought;

blest, by the work the Spirit wrought;

from whom the great Desire of earth

took human flesh and human birth.

All honour, laud, and glory be,

O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee,

whom with the Father we adore,

and Holy Ghost for evermore.

Amen.

O Heaven's glorious mistress,

elevated above the stars,

thou feedest with thy sacred breast

him who created thee.

What miserable Eve lost

thy dear offspring to man restores,

the way to glory is open to the wretched

for thou has become the Gate of Heaven.

Thou art the door of the High King,

the gate of shining light.

Life is given through a Virgin:

Rejoice, ye redeemed nations.

Glory be to Thee, O Lord,

Born of a Virgin,

with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

world without end. Amen.

View Details

Link to Music

Lo, how the savage crew Of our proud sins hath rent The Heart of our all-gracious God, That Heart so innocent.
The soldiers quivering lance Our guilt it was that drave, Our wicked deeds that to its point Such cruel sharpness gave.
O wounded Heart, whence sprang The Church, the Saviours bride; Thou Door of our Salvations Ark Set in its mystic side.
Thou holy fount, whence flows The sacred sevenfold flood. Where we our filthy roles may cleanse In the Lambs saving Blood:
By sorrowful relapse, Thee will we rend no more; But like the flames, those types of love, Strive heavenward to soar.
Father and Son supreme And Spirit, hear our cry; Whose is the kingdom, praise and power, Through all eternity.

View Details

Link to Music

Sanctify me wholly, Soul of Christ adored; Be my sure Salvation, Body of the Lord: Fill and satisfy me, O Thou Blood unpriced: Wash me, Sacred Water, from the side of Christ. Passion of my Saviour, be my strength in need: Good and gracious Jesus, to my prayer give heed: In Thy Wounds most precious let me refuge find: All the power malignant of the foeman bind: At deaths final hour, call me to Thy face: Bid me stand beside Thee in the heavenly place: There with Saints and Angels I shall sing to Thee Through the countless ages of eternity.

View Details

Link to Music

Round roll the weeks our hearts to greet, With blissful joy returning; For lo! The Holy Paraclete On twelve bright brows sits burning:
With quivering flame He lights on each, In fashion like a tongue, to teach That eloquent they are of speech, Their hearts with true love yearning.
While with all tongues they speak to all, The nations deem them maddened, And drunk with wine the Prophets call, Whom God’s good Spirit gladdened;
A marvel this—in mystery done— The holy Paschaltide outrun, By numbers told, whose reckoning won Remission for the saddened.
O God most Holy, Thee we pray, With reverent brow low bending, Grant us the Spirit’s gifts to-day— The gifts from heaven descending;
And, since, Thy grace hath deigned to bide Within our breasts once sanctified, Deign, Lord, to cast our sins aside, Henceforth calm seasons sending.
To God the Father, laud and praise, Praise to the Son be given; Praise to the Spirit of all grace, The fount of graces seven—
As was of old, all worlds before, Is now and shall be evermore, When time and change are spent and o’er— All praise in earth and heaven.

View Details

Link to Music

Now Christ, ascending whence He came,

Had mounted o'er the starry frame,

The Holy Ghost on man below,

The Father's promise, to bestow.

The solemn time was drawing nigh,

Replete with heav'nly mystery,

On seven days' sevenfold circles borne,

That first and blessed Whitsunmorn.

When the third hour shone all around,

There came a rushing mighty sound,

And told the Apostles, while in prayer,

That, as was promised, God was there.

Forth from the Father's light it came,

That beautiful and kindly flame:

To fill with fervor of His word

The spirits faithful to their Lord.

With joy the Apostles' breasts are fired,

By God the Holy Ghost inspired:

And straight, in divers kinds of speech,

The wondrous works of God they preach.

To men of every race they speak,

Alike Barbarian, Roman, Greek:

From the same lips, with awe and fear,

All men their native accents hear.

But Juda's sons, e'en faithless yet,

With mad infuriate rage beset,

To mock Christ's followers com-

As drunken all with new-made wine.

When lo! with signs and mighty deeds,

Stands Peter in the midst, and pleads;

Confounding their malignant lie

By Joel's ancient prophecy.

To God the Father let us sing,

To God the Son, our risen King,

And equally let us adore

The Spirit, God for evermore.

View Details

Link to Music

Hail, Thou who man’s Redeemer art, Jesu, the joy of every heart; Great Maker of the world’s wide frame, And purest love’s delight and flame:
What nameless mercy Thee o’ercame, To bear out load of sin and shame? For guiltless, Thou Thy life didst give, That sinful erring man might live.
The realms of woe are forced by Thee, Its captives from their chains set free; And Thou, amid Thy ransomed train, At God’s right hand dost victor reign.
Let mercy sweet with Thee prevail, To cure the wounds we now bewail; Oh, bless us with Thy holy sight, And fill us with eternal light.
Our guide, our way to heavenly rest, Be Thou the aim of every breast; Be Thou the soother of our tears, Our sweet reward above the spheres.

View Details

Link to Music

IN THIS our bright and Paschal day

the sun shines out with purer ray,

when Christ, to earthly sight made plain,

the glad Apostles see again.

The wounds, the riven wounds he shows

in that his flesh with light that glows,

in loud accord both far and nigh

the Lord's arising testify.

O Christ, the King who lovest to bless,

do thou our hearts and souls possess;

to thee our praise that we may pay,

to whom our laud is due for aye.

View Details

Link to Music

Light's glittering morn bedecks the sky,

heaven thunders forth its victor cry,

the glad earth shouts its triumph high,

and groaning hell makes wild reply:

2 While he, the King of glorious might,

treads down death's strength in death's despite,

and trampling hell by victor's right,

brings forth his sleeping Saints to light.

3 Fast barred beneath the stone of late

in watch and ward where soldiers wait,

now shining in triumphant state,

He rises Victor from death's gate.

4 Hell's pains are loosed, and tears are fled;

captivity is captive led;

the Angel, crowned with light, hath said,

'The Lord is risen from the dead.'

5 O Christ, the King who lovest to bless,

do thou our hearts and souls possess;

to thee our praise that we may pay,

to whom our laud is due for aye.]

View Details

Link to Music

The Lamb's high banquet we await

in snow-white robes of royal state:

and now, the Red Sea's channel past,

to Christ our Prince we sing at last.

Upon the Altar of the Cross

His Body hath redeemed our loss:

and tasting of his roseate Blood,

our life is hid with Him in God.

That Paschal Eve God's arm was bared,

the devastating Angel spared:

by strength of hand our hosts went free

from Pharaoh's ruthless tyranny.

Now Christ, our Paschal Lamb, is slain,

the Lamb of God that knows no stain,

the true Oblation offered here,

our own unleavened Bread sincere.

O Thou, from whom hell's monarch flies,

O great, O very Sacrifice,

Thy captive people are set free,

and endless life restored in Thee.

For Christ, arising from the dead,

from conquered hell victorious sped,

and thrust the tyrant down to chains,

and Paradise for man regains.

We pray Thee, King with glory decked,

in this our Paschal joy, protect

from all that death would fain effect

Thy ransomed flock, Thine own elect.

To Thee who, dead, again dost live,

all glory Lord, Thy people give;

all glory, as is ever meet,

to Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

View Details

Link to Music

I saw water flowing out of the Temple, from its right side, Alleluia:

And all to whom this water came were saved, And they shall say: Alleluia, Alleluia.

View Details

Link to Music

O QUEEN of heaven rejoice! alleluia:

For He whom thou didst merit to bear, alleluia,

Hath arisen as he said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

View Details

Link to Music

Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle,[1] With completed victory rife: And above the Cross's trophy Tell the triumph of the strife: How the world's Redeemer conquer'd By surrendering of His Life.

God his Maker, sorely grieving That the first-made Adam fell, When he ate the fruit of sorrow, Whose reward was death and hell, Noted then this Wood, the ruin Of the ancient wood to quell.

For the work of our Salvation Needs would have his order so, And the multiform deceiver's Art by art would overthrow, And from thence would bring the med'cine Whence the insult of the foe.

Wherefore, when the sacred fulness Of th' appointed time was come, This world's Maker left His Father, Sent the Heavenly Mansion from, And proceeded, God Incarnate, Of the Virgin's Holy Womb.

Weeps the Infant in the manger That in Bethlehem's stable stands; And His Limbs the Virgin Mother Doth compose in swaddling bands, Meetly thus in linen folding Of her God the feet and hands.

Thirty years among us dwelling, His appointed time fulfill'd, Born for this, He meets his Passion, For that this He freely will'd: On the Cross the Lamb is lifted, Where His life-blood shall be spilled.

He endured the nails, the spitting, Vinegar, and spear, and reed; From that Holy Body broken Blood and water forth proceed: Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean, By that flood from stain are freed.

Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peers may be: Sweetest Wood, and sweetest Iron! Sweetest Weight is hung on thee.

Bend thy boughs, O Tree of Glory! Thy relaxing sinews bend; For awhile the ancient rigour, That thy birth bestowed, suspend; And the King of Heavenly Beauty On thy bosom gently tend!

Thou alone wast counted worthy This world's ransom to uphold; For a shipwrecked race preparing Harbour, like the Ark of old; With the sacred Blood anointed From the smitten Lamb that roll'd.[2]

To the Trinity be glory Everlasting, as is meet: Equal to the Father, equal To the Son, and Paraclete: Trinal Unity, Whose praises All created things repeat. Amen.

View Details

Link to Music

View Details

Link to MusicToday we learn a short doxology -- sung in Monasteries and the Eastern Rites of the Church -- dating back to the 4th century!

Thou art worthy of praise, thou art worthy of hymns, to Thee be glory: to God the Father and the Son with the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

View Details

Link to MusicToday we learn a wonderful hymn to our glorious mother! August 15 - 22nd is a little octave of Our Lady, and this hymn should be a part of everyone's celebration of her Assumption and Crowning.

View Details

Link to MusicLearn to sing the Solemn Tone of the Salve Regina. This beautiful Marian Antiphon is traditionally sung after the Rosary and after Night Prayer during Ordinary time. Mary has also revealed in visions that this is one of her favorites!

View Details

Link to musicLearn the Missa de Angelis Part 4 -- Agnus Dei

View Details

Link to music Learn Mass VIII (Missa de Angelis) Part 3 -- Sanctus

View Details

Link to MusicLearn the Missa de Angelis, Part 2 -- Gloria

View Details

Link to MusicLearn the Missa de Angelis: Part 1 -- Kyrie

View Details

Link to MusicLearn the hymn written by St. Simon Stock, the prior of the Carmelite order to whom Mary appeared and gave the brown scapular as a privilege to the Carmelite order. This was originally used as the sequence for the feast of St. Simon, then for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16th). Now it's just a devotional hymn, but since the Church has given us all the privilege of participating in the brown scapular, let's all sing it in thank to Our Lady and Holy Mother Church!

View Details

Link to Music"Give peace in our time, O Lord, because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, O God."

View Details

Link to MusicAnother Hymn to St. John the Baptist (Feast: June 24th). This and it's more famous counterpart Ut Queant Laxis were originally part of the same hymn, split into three for the Divine Office. Both can be sung to the same melody (which you can learn in Episode 50) but today we'll learn a new melody. 1. O more than blessed, merit high attaining, Pure as the snow-drift, innocent of evil, Child of the desert, mightiest of Martyrs, Greatest of Prophets. 2. Thirtyfold increase some with glory crowneth; Sixtyfold fruitage prize for others winneth; Hundredfold measure, thrice repeated, decks thee, Blest one, for guerdon. 3. O may the virtue of thine intercession, All stony hardness from our hearts expelling, Smooth the rough places, and the crooked straighten Here in the desert. 4. Thus may our gracious Maker and Redeemer, Seeking a station for His hallowed footsteps, Find, when He cometh, temples undefiled, Meet to receive Him. 5. Now as the Angels celebrate Thy praises, Godhead essential, Trinity co-equal; Spare Thy redeemed ones, as they bow before Thee, Pardon imploring.

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn a chant setting of the well-known prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. Enjoy!

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn the propers for Septuagesima Sunday. Enjoy!

View Details

Links to music: Introit; Gradual(A); Gradual (B and C) Alleluia; Offertory; Communion (A and C); Communion (B)

Today we learn the propers for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Extraordinary Form propers repeat again this week, see episode 80.

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn the most commonly sung melody for the Nicene Creed. Enjoy!

View Details

Music: Introit; Gradual; Alleluia; Offertory; Communion (Year A); Communion (Year B and C)

Today we learn the propers for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary time (Extraordinary Form repeats 3rd Sunday after Epiphany this week!).

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn another hymn of Prudentius -- listen to Audit Tyrannus Anxius from a few weeks ago to learn about his story -- O Sola Magnarum Urbium. This Epiphany hymn is also drawn from his Cathemerinon, and sings the praises of Bethlehem, noblest of cities, where the Lord was born and the Kings came to worship.

Bethlehem! of noblest cities None can once with thee compare; Thou alone the Lord from heaven Didst for us Incarnate bear.
Fairer than the sun at morning Was the star that told His birth; To the lands their God announcing, Hid beneath a form of earth.
By its lambent beauty guided, See the eastern kings appear; See them bend, their gifts to offer-Gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Solemn things of mystic meaning!-Incense doth the God disclose; Gold a royal Child proclaimeth; Myrrh a future tomb foreshows.
Holy Jesu, in Thy brightnessTo the Gentile world displayed,With the Father and the Spirit,Endless praise to Thee be paid.

View Details

Link to Music

Link to Year A and B Introit

Link to Year A Communio "Venite Post Me"

Today we learn the Proper antiphons from the 3rd Sunday (in Ordinary Time/After Epiphany). Enjoy!

View Details

Link to Music

Happy Epiphanytide! Today we learn the introit from the Mass for Epiphany, and for those who haven't listened to our Propers of the Year series, we get a peak into the chants of the Holy Mass.

Behold, the Sovereign Lord is coming; kingship, government and power are in his hands.

View Details

Link to music

Link to Novus Ordo Communio, Laetabimur in salutari tuo

Today we learn the propers for the 2nd Sunday (of Ordinary Time or Epiphany)

View Details

Link to Music

Happy New Year's Eve! Today we learn a hymn in honor of the Holy Innocents, killed by the tyrant Herod while he searched for the Christ Child. The first blood shed for our Lord was by these innocent children, and it's impossible not to compare slaughter of the innocents with the slaughter of the unborn in our day. Sing the praises of these innocents, and beg for their intercession for an end to abortion!

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn the propers for the Feast of Epiphany. Enjoy!

View Details

Link to Music

Merry Christmas! Today we learn one of the most popular medieval Christmas hymns: Puer Natus in Bethlehem. Let's all raise our voices to praise God for the Incarnation!

A child is born in Bethlehem,

Exult for joy, Jerusalem!

Allelujah.

With an exultant heart,

let us adore the new-born Christ,

with a new song.

The Son of God the Father,

In the highest has taken flesh,

Allelujah.

By angel Gabriel announced,

The virgin has conceived the Son.

Allelujah.

Like a bridegroom from the chamber,

He proceeds from the womb of the mother.

Allelujah.

Lo he who reigns above the skies,

There in a manger lowly, lies.

Allelujah.

The ox and ass in neighb'ring stall,

See in that child the Lord of all.

Allelujah.

And kingly pilgrims, long foretold,

From East bring incense, myrrh and gold,

Allelujah.

And enter with their offerings,

To hail the newborn King of Kings.

Allelujah.

He comes, a maiden mother's Son,

Yet earthly father has He none;

Allelujah.

And from the serpent's poison free,

He owned our blood and pedigree,

Allelujah.

Our feeble flesh and His the same,

Our sinless kinsman He became,

Allelujah.

That we, from deadly thrall set free,

Like Him, and so like God, should be.

Allelujah.

Come then, and on his natal day,

Rejoice before the Lord and pray.

Allelujah.

And to the holy One in Three.

Give praise and thanks eternally.

Allelujah.

View Details

Links to music (courtesy of CCWatershed): Introit; Gradual; Alleluia; Offertory; Communion

In this episode we learn the propers for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, January 1st. In 2023 this falls on Sunday, the Octave of Christmas. In the extraordinary form this day is the Octave of Christmas/The Circumcision of the Lord, and the propers are the same as those of Christmas Mass during the day, which we covered in last week's episode (except for the Alleluia).

View Details

Link to Music

Today we learn the antiphon for Rorate Caeli, a hymn based on the beginning of the Introit for the 4th Sunday of Advent. A wonderful, simple antiphon to have on our lips during this last week before the Lord Comes!

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness.

Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: thy holy city is a wilderness,Sion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation:our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee.

We have sinned, and are as an unclean thing, and we all do fade as a leaf:and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away:thou hast hid thy face from us:and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

Behold, O Lord, the affliction of thy people, and send forth him whom thou wilt send; send forth the Lamb, the ruler of the earth, from Petra of the desert to the mount of the daughter of Sion:that he may take away the yoke of our captivity.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know me and believe me: I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no Saviour: and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people; my salvation shall not tarry: why wilt thou waste away in sadness? why hath sorrow seized thee?Fear not, for I will save thee: For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer.

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the propers from Christmas Mass During the Day

Link to Music

View Details

Link to Music

A few days ago we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the great Marian Dogmas of the Catholic Church. In honor of our Immaculate Mother, we learn a hymn from about 200 years before this dogma was officially proclaimed by the Church.

Blest guardian of all virgin souls, Portal of bliss to man forgiven, Pure Mother of Almighty God, Thou hope of earth and joy of heaven!
Fair Lily found among the thorns, Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold, Rod from whose tender root upsprang That healing Flower so long foretold.
Thou Tower against the dragon proof, Thou Star to storm-tossed voyagers dear; Our course lies oer a treacherous deep, Thine be the light by which we steer.
Scatter the mists that round us hang; Keep far the fatal shoals away; And while through darkling waves we sweep, Open a path to light and day.
O Jesu, born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee; Praise to the Father infinite And Holy Ghost eternally.

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants 4th Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday).

The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: https://tinyurl.com/roratecaelidesuper

Gradual: https://tinyurl.com/propeest

Alleluia: https://tinyurl.com/venidomineetnoli

Offertory: https://tinyurl.com/avemariaoffertory

Communion: https://tinyurl.com/eccevirgo

View Details

Link to the music

Happy Advent! This ancient hymn dates back to the 6th century, and is used at Lauds during Advent. This hymn is so rich with symbolism, please check out this article from friend of Floriani, Fr. Z, who goes DEEP.

ALSO: please consider donating to Floriani to help sustain our mission to Revitalize Sacred Music in America! All donations during this season will be MATCHED by a generous donor, so your contribution is DOUBLED! God bless you for your generosity, and welcome to the mission!

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!

In this episode, Giorgio sings through the chants for Gaudete Sunday. He sings through chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again.

The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: 1:00: https://tinyurl.com/gaudeteindominosemper

Gradual: 6:15: https://tinyurl.com/Quisedesdomine

Alleluia: 12:50: https://tinyurl.com/exitadomine

Offertory: 16:45 https://tinyurl.com/benedixistidomine

Communion: 20:45 https://tinyurl.com/dicitepusillanimes

View Details

Link to Music

We conclude the liturgical year and the month of All Souls with the communion antiphon from the Requiem Mass.

May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord, with Thy saints forever, for thou art kind.

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!

In this episode, Giorgio sings through each chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again.

The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: 1:00 https://tinyurl.com/populussion

Gradual: 10:10 https://tinyurl.com/exsionspecies

Alleluia: 22:00 https://tinyurl.com/laetatussum

Offertory: 30:05 https://tinyurl.com/deustuconvertens

Communion: 35:10 https://tinyurl.com/jerusalemsurge

View Details

Link to Music

In honor of the feast of the dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul, here's a hymn in honor of them both!

O blessed shepherd Peter, thou to whom was given the power to open heaven, and, opened, to close it, mercifully receive the prayers of thy suppliants, and by thy word unloose the chains of their sins.
Illustrious teacher Paul, mould thou our lives, and draw with thee to heaven our hearts, till faith now veiled beholds the bright noonday, and, like the sun, charity alone doth reign.
Praise, blessing, majesty, through endless days, Be to the Trinity immortal given; Who in pure unity profoundly sways Eternally alike all things in earth and heaven.

View Details

Link to Music

In this episode we honor the month of all souls and learn the introit for the Requiem Mass.

(IV Esdr 2: 34, 35) Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. (Ps 64: 2-3) Vs. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: O Lord, hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee.

View Details

Link to Music

In today's episode, we learn a hymn to the Guardian Angels in honor of the Feast of The Archangels.

Angel-Guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing, Whom our Father hath sent, aids to our weakly frame, Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring, Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.
He, the spoiler of souls, Angel-traitor of old, Cast in merited wrath out of his honored place, Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain Whom God’s mercy invites to heaven.
Therefore come to our help, watchful ward of our lives: Turn aside from the land God to thy care confides Sickness and woe of soul, yea, and what else of ill Peace of heart to its folk denies.
Now to the Holy Three praise evermore resound: Under whose hand divine resteth the triple world Governed in wondrous wise: glory be theirs and might While the ages unending run.

View Details

Link to Music

In today's episode, we learn the great antiphon from the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday: Ubi Caritas.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

The love of Christ has gathered us into one.

Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.

Let us fear and let us love the living God.

And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:

Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.

Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.

And in the midst of us be Christ our God.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Together also with the blessed may we see,

Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:

A joy which is immense, and also approved:

Through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

View Details

Link to Music

In honor of the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, we learn today a hymn or Lauds from this feast. Although this feast dates back to the 12th century in terms of popular devotion -- and even some more formal Church recognition -- it didn't make it onto the General Roman Calendar until 1814. This hymn dates from roughly that era.

O God of infinite mercy, grant that we may meditate well on the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin and on the Wounds of Jesus her Son.

May the numerous tears of the Mother of God be conducive to our salvation; with which tears Thou, O God, art able to wash away the sins of the whole world.

May the bitter contemplation of the Five Wounds of Jesus, and may the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin be a source of eternal joys to all.

Jesus, to Thee, who didst suffer for Thy servants, be glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, through everlasting ages.

View Details

Happy feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother! Today we learn a hymn from Vespers on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate. As the first verse says, literally: "The supreme teacher of faith [the Pope] solemnly affirms that Mary is free from all stain." This happened in 1854, and the hymn refers to St. Bernadette, who lived after this proclamation, so this hymn isn't older than the mid-to-late 19th century. We hope you enjoy it!

Lo! Mary is exempt from stain of sin, Proclaims the Pontiff high; And earth applauding celebrates with joy Her triumph, far and high.
Unto a lowly timid maid she shows Her form in beauty fair, And the Immaculate Conception truth Her sacred lips declare.
O honored cave, by Mary’s smile adorned! O hallowed rock, whence spring The living waters of a gushing stream, The gifts of life to bring.
And thither from the farmost bounds of earth The pilgrims wend their way, And suppliant around the Virgin’s shrine Her powerful help they pray.
The sufferers’ cry the Mother fondly hears, And grants the longed-for grace; And health restored, the pilgrim throng returns Unto its native place.
O Virgin! have compassion on our needs, Refresh us laboring on; Obtain for us the joys of heavenly life, When sorrow all is gone.
All praise and honor to the Father be, And to His only Son, And to the Spirit, power of both, for aye, In Godhead ever One.
Omnis expertem maculæ Mariam Edocet summus fidei magister; Virginis gaudens celebrat fidelis Terra triumphum.
Ipsa se præbens humili puellæ Virgo spectandam, recreat paventem, Seque conceptam sine labe sancto Prædicat ore.
O specus felix, decorate divæ Matris aspectu! veneranda rupes, Unde vitales scatuere pleno Gurgite lymphæ.
Huc catervatim pia turba nostris, Huc ab externis peregrina terris Affluit supplex, et opem potentis Virginis orat.
Excipit Mater lacrimas precantum, Donat optatam miseris salutem; Compos hinc voti patrias ad oras Turba revertit.
Supplicum, Virgo, miserata casus, Semper o nostros refove labores, Impetrans mœstis bona sempiternæ Gaudia vitæ.
Sit decus Patri, genitæque Proli, Et tibi compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni Temporis ævo.

View Details

Link to the Music

An epic hymn to the Maker of the World, this is from the Sarum Rite, which developed in Salisbury Cathedral in the 11th century. This hymn is also the origin of Mass XI, Missa Orbis Factor, which we learned way back in episode 28.

Maker of the world, King eternal, have mercy upon us.
O immense source of pity, have mercy upon us.
Drive off all our evils, have mercy upon us.
Christ who art the light of the world and giver of life, have mercy upon us.
Consider the wounds produced by the devil's art, have mercy upon us.
Keeping and confirming thy believers, have mercy upon us.
Thou and thy Father, an equal light, have mercy upon us.
We know that God is one and three, have mercy upon us.
Thou, merciful unto us, art present with the Holy Spirit that we might live in thee, have mercy upon us.
Orbis factor rex aeterne, eleison
Pietatis fons immense, eleison
Noxas omnes nostras pelle, eleison
Christe qui lux es mundi dator vitae, eleison
Arte laesos daemonis intuere, eleison
Conservans te credentes confirmansque, eleison
Patrem tuum teque flamen utrorumque, eleison
Deum scimus unum atque trinum esse, eleison
Clemens nobis adsis paraclite ut vivamus in te, eleison.

View Details

Link to music (courtesy of CCWatershed)

St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.

In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:

Adoro Te Devote
Sacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)
Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)
Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)
Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)

We're finally to the end of our series on St. Thomas' great hymns! In this episode we learn the great sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

ZION, PRAISE YOUR SAVIOR. Praise your Savior. Praise your leader and shepherd in hymns and canticles. Praise him as much as you can, for he is beyond all praising and you will never be able to praise him as he merits. But today a theme worthy of particular praise is put before us—the living and life-giving bread that, without any doubt, was given to the Twelve at table during the holy supper. Therefore let our praise be full and resounding and our soul's rejoicing full of delight and beauty, for this is the festival day to commemorate the first institution of this table.

At this table of the new King, the new law's new Pasch puts an end to the old Pasch. The new displaces the old, the reality the shadow and light the darkness. Christ wanted what he did at the supper to be repeated in his memory. And so we, in accordance with his holy directions, consecrate bread and wine to be salvation's Victim.

Christ's followers know by faith that bread is changed into his flesh and wine into his blood. Man cannot understand this, cannot perceive it; but a lively faith affirms that the change, which is outside the natural course of things, takes place. Under the different species, which are now signs only and not their own reality, there lie hid wonderful realities. His body is our food, his blood our drink. And yet Christ remains entire under each species. The communicant receives the complete Christ—uncut, unbroken and undivided. Whether one receive or a thousand, the one receives as much as the thousand. Nor is Christ diminished by being received. The good and the wicked alike receive him, but with the unlike destiny of life or death. To the wicked it is death, but life to the good. See how different is the result, though each receives the same. Last of all, if the sacrament is broken, have no doubt. Remember there is as much in a fragment as in an unbroken host. There is no division of the reality, but only a breaking of the sign; nor does the breaking diminish the condition or size of the One hidden under the sign.

Behold, the bread of angels is become the pilgrim's food; truly it is bread for the sons, and is not to be cast to dogs. It was prefigured in type when Isaac was brought as an offering, when a lamb was appointed for the Pasch and when manna was given to the Jews of old.

Jesus, good shepherd and true bread, have mercy on us; feed us and guard us. Grant that we find happiness in the land of the living. You know all things, can do all things, and feed us here on earth. Make us your guests in heaven, co-heirs with you and companions of heaven's citizens. Amen. Alleluia.

View Details

Sheet music (courtesy of CCWatershed)

Today we learn Mass IX, Cum Jubilo, which is for Marian Feasts. You're challenge is to learn this Gregorian Mass, and introduce it to your parish!

View Details

Link to music

(Courtesy of CCWatershed)

One of our favorite Masses, and the inspiration for the polyphonic Mass that is the theme music for this podcast, Missa Cum Jubilo is for feasts of the Blessed Virgin. Please enjoy, and see if you can get your parish chanting this Mass!

View Details

Link to Music

In this episode, we learn the Sub Tuum Praesidium, the oldest existing hymn to Mary as "Theotokos" or "God-Bearer." Although the church didn't definitively teach that Mary was the Mother of God until the council of Ephesus in 431, this hymn predates that council by at least 150 years!

We fly to thy protection,

O Holy Mother of God;

Do not despise our petitions

in our necessities,

but deliver us always

from all dangers,

O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

Sub tuum praesidium

confugimus,

Sancta Dei Genitrix.

Nostras deprecationes ne despicias

in necessitatibus nostris,

sed a periculis cunctis

libera nos semper,

Virgo gloriosa et benedicta

View Details

Link to music

In today's episode, we learn In Paradisum, the antiphon traditionally sung at the end of a requiem Mass as the body of the deceased is taken out of the church to be buried.

May the Angels lead you into paradise; and on your arrival, may the Martyrs receive you and introduce into the holy city of Jerusalem. May you be welcomed by the choirs of Angels; and together with Lazarus, who was formerly poor, may you have eternal rest.

In paradisum deducant te angeli; in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere æternam habeas requiem.

View Details

Link to Music (courtesy of CCWatershed)

In today's episode, we learn the antiphon Asperges me, Domine, which accompanies the ritual sprinkling that takes place before every High Mass except during Paschaltide. Dating back to the 10th century, this beautiful, short antiphon can help to prepare those who sing it to fully participate in Holy Mass. We encourage you to learn this antiphon and then sing it on Sundays with your schola!

THOU SHALT SPRINKLE ME, Lord, with hyssop and I shall be cleansed: thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. (Ps 50: 3) Have mercy on me, O God, for thou art ever rich in mercy

ASPÉRGES ME, Dómine, hyssópo, et mundábor: lavábis me, et super nivem dealbábor. (Ps 50: 3) Miserére mei, Deus, secúndum magnam misericórdiam tuam.

View Details

Music for Cor Arca Legem Continens

From the Encyclopedia:

An office hymn that was historically used for Lauds on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Usually dated as an 18th-century composition, it is the work of an unknown author who is thought to have written also the hymns for Vespers and Matins of the same feast. In a series of types or figures, rather than in a fully developed allegory, stanzas one and two of the hymn represent the Sacred Heart as ark, temple, and—with reference to its open wounds—veil "more profitable than the one rent asunder." For the thought and expression of the last three stanzas, the author is indebted to St. Bonaventure's Vitis mystica 3.4–6, read as the eighth and ninth lessons of the feast. Throughout the hymn a deeply personal note is blended with a more objective liturgical style.

1. O Heart, Thou ark containing the Law, not of the old servitude, but of grace, and indulgence, and also of mercy.

2. O Heart, Thou spotless sanctuary of the new covenant,Thou Temple, holier than the ancient one, And Veil, more profitable than that torn of old.

3. Charity willed Thee to be wounded; by the spear thrust opened, that we might venerate the wounds of an invisible love.

4. Under this symbol of love, having suffered bloody and mystical torments,Christ the Priest offered each in sacrifice.

5. Who would not love in turn the One so loving him? Who, being thus redeemed, would not love, and choose eternal dwellings in this Heart?

6. O Jesus, to Thee be glory, Who pourest grace from Thy heart, with the Father and the loving Spirit unto everlasting ages. Amen.

Cor, arca legem cóntinens Non servitútis véteris Sed grátiæ, sed veniæ Sed et misericórdiæ

Cor, sanctuárium novi Intemerátum fœ́deris Templum vetústo sánctius Velúmque scisso utílius

Te vulnerátum cáritas Ictu paténti vóluit Amóris invisíbilis Ut venerémur vúlnera

Hoc sub amóris sýmbolo Passus cruénta et mýstica Utrúmque sacrifícium Christus Sacérdos óbtulit

Quis non amántem rédamet Quis non redémptus díligat Et Corde in isto séligat Ætérna tabernácula

Jesu, tibi sit glória Qui Corde fundis grátiam Cum Patre et almo Spíritu In sempitérna sǽcula Amen

View Details

Link to the music

A hymn to St. John the Baptist, written by Paul the Deacon in the 8th century. You may never have heard of this hymn, unless you’ve studied music history or theory, as it’s not particularly well-known or popular, but it is actually extraordinarily influential. In this episode, you'll learn about the origin of SOLFEGE, which of course culminated in 1956, when Rogers and Hammerstein composed the most important piece of music ever written; Do, a Deer. Enjoy!

Link to full lyrics (all 13 verses)

For thy spirit, holy John, to chastenLips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;So by thy children might thy deeds of wonderMeetly be chanted.

Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;How he shall name thee, what thy future story,Duly revealing.

Scarcely believing message so transcendent,Him for a season power of speech forsaketh, Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returneth

Voice to the voiceless.The heavenly citizens celebrate you with lauds, one God and at once triune; we also come imploring forgiveness; spare us among the redeemed.

Thou, in thy mother's womb all darkly cradled, Knewest thy Monarch, biding in His chamber, Whence the two parents, through their children's merits, Mysteries uttered.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,And to the Spirit, equal power. possessing,One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,Ever resoundeth. Amen.

Ut queant laxis resonare fibris mira gestorum famuli tuorum, solve polluti labiis reatum, sancte Joannes.

Nuntius celso veniens Olympo, te patri magnum fore nasciturum, nomen, et vitae seriem gerendae, ordine promit.

Ille promissi dubius superniper didit promptae modulos loquelae; sed reformasti genitus peremptae organa vocis.

Laudibus cives celebrant supernite, Deus simplex pariterque trine; supplices ac nos veniam precamur: parce redemptis.

Ventris obstruso recubans cubili, senseras Regem thalamo manentem: hinc parens, nati, meritis, uterque, abdita pandit.

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque proliet tibi, compare utriusque virtus, Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni Temporis aevo. Amen.

View Details

Link to the music

Happy Solemnity of Corpus Christi! We present another one of St. Thomas's amazing hymns for this solemnity - Sacris Solemniis.

St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.

In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:

Adoro Te Devote
Sacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)
Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)
Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)
Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)

LYRICS:

SACRIS solemniis iuncta sint gaudia, et ex praecordiis sonent praeconia; recedant vetera, nova sint omnia, corda, voces, et opera.

AT this our solemn feast let holy joys abound, and from the inmost breast let songs of praise resound; let ancient rites depart, and all be new around, in every act, and voice, and heart.

Noctis recolitur cena novissima, qua Christus creditur agnum et azyma dedisse fratribus, iuxta legitima priscis indulta patribus.

Remember we that eve, when, the Last Supper spread, Christ, as we all believe, the Lamb, with leavenless bread, among His brethren shared, and thus the Law obeyed, of all unto their sire declared.

Post agnum typicum, expletis epulis, Corpus Dominicum datum discipulis, sic totum omnibus, quod totum singulis, eius fatemur manibus.

The typic Lamb consumed, the legal Feast complete, the Lord unto the Twelve His Body gave to eat; the whole to all, no less the whole to each did mete with His own hands, as we confess.

Dedit fragilibus corporis ferculum, dedit et tristibus sanguinis poculum, dicens: Accipite quod trado vasculum; omnes ex eo bibite.

He gave them, weak and frail, His Flesh, their Food to be; on them, downcast and sad, His Blood bestowed He: and thus to them He spake, "Receive this Cup from Me, and all of you of this partake."

Sic sacrificium istud instituit, cuius officium committi voluit solis presbyteris, quibus sic congruit, ut sumant, et dent ceteris.

So He this Sacrifice to institute did will, and charged His priests alone that office to fulfill: in them He did confide: to whom it pertains still to take, and the rest divide.

Panis angelicus fit panis hominum; dat panis caelicus figuris terminum; O res mirabilis: manducat Dominum pauper, servus et humilis.

Thus Angels' Bread is made the Bread of man today: the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away: O wondrous gift indeed! the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed.

Te, trina Deitas unaque, poscimus: sic nos tu visita, sicut te colimus; per tuas semitas duc nos quo tendimus, ad lucem quam inhabitas.

Thee, therefore, we implore, o Godhead, One in Three, so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee; and lead us on Thy way, That we at last may see the light wherein Thou dwellest aye.

View Details

Link to Music

St. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.

In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:

Adoro Te Devote
Sacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)
Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)
Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)
Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)

Inspired by a hymn written 800 years earlier, St. Thomas's Pange Lingua is considered the most beautiful of his hymns for Corpus Christi.

ENGLISH (literal)

Sing, O my tongue, and praise the mystery of the glorious body and the most precious blood, shed to save the world by the King of the nations, the fruit of a noble womb.

Unto us he was given, he was born unto us of a Virgin untainted and pure; he dwelt among us in the world, sowing the seeds of God’s word; and he ended the time of his stay on earth in the most wondrous of fashions.

On his last night at supper, reclining at table in the midst of his brethren disciples, He fully observed the Ancient Law and partook of the Passover meal; and then, with his own hands, he gave himself up as food for the group of the Twelve.

The Word made flesh, by a simple word, makes of his flesh the true bread; the blood of Christ becomes our drink; and though senses cannot perceive, for confirming pure hearts in true belief, faith alone suffices.

In face of so great a mystery, therefore, let us bow down and worship; let precepts of the Ancient Law give way to the new Gospel rite; and let faith assist us and help us make up for what senses fail to perceive.

Unto the Father and the Son, our praise and our joyful singing; unto whom saving power, honor and might, and every holy blessing; and to the Spirit who proceeds from both, an equal tribute of glory. Amen.

LATIN

PANGE, lingua, gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, quem in mundi pretium fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus ex intacta Virgine, et in mundo conversatus, sparso verbi semine, sui moras incolatus miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte cenae recumbens cum fratribus observata lege plene cibis in legalibus, cibum turbae duodenae se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum, et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sincerum sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum veneremur cernui: et antiquum documentum novo cedat ritui: praestet fides supplementum sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque laus et iubilatio, salus, honor, virtus quoque sit et benedictio: procedenti ab utroque compar sit laudatio. Amen. Alleluia.

View Details

Link to music

Happy Pentecost! Veni Creator Spiritus is one of the most popular, widely used hymns to the Holy Spirit in the Church. It has been translated into a number of English hymns (Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest; Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid, to name a few). Today, we'll learn the original Gregorian Chant -- of course! And be sure to sing this one on Pentecost to get a Plenary Indulgence -- all the other usual requirements for the indulgence still apply. Let's get some souls out of Purgatory this Pentecost!

Come Creator Spirit, visit the souls of Thy people, fill with grace from on high the hearts which Thou hast created.

Thou Who art called the Comforter, gift of the most high God, living fountain, fire, love and unction of souls.

Sevenfold in Thy gifts, finger of the Father’s right hand, Thou promised truly by the Father, giving speech to tongues.

Inflame our senses with Thy light, pour Thy love into our hearts, strengthen our weak bodies with lasting power.

Drive far away the enemy, grant peace at all times: so under Thy guidance may we avoid all evil.

Grant us by Thee to know the Father and to know the Son, and Thee, Spirit of both, may we always believe.

To God the Father be glory, to the Son Who rose from the dead and to the Comforter, for all ages. Amen.

Veni, creator Spiritus,

mentes tuorum visita,

imple superna gratia,

quae tu creasti, pectora.

Qui diceris Paraclitus,

donum Dei altissimi,

fons vivus, ignis, caritas,

et spiritalis unctio.

Tu septiformis munere,

dextrae Dei tu digitus,

tu rite promissum Patris,

sermone ditans guttura.

Accende lumen sensibus,

infunde amorem cordibus,

infirma nostri corporis

virtute firmans perpeti.

Hostem repellas longius

pacemque dones protinus;

ductore sic te praevio

vitemus omne noxium.

Per te sciamus da Patrem

noscamus atque Filium,

te utriusque Spiritum

credamus omni tempore.

Deo Patri sit gloria,

et Filio qui a mortuis

surrexit, ac Paraclito,

in saeculorum saecula.

View Details

Music: http://gregorian-chant-hymns.com/hymns-2/regina-caeli-simple-pdf.pdf

Happy Easter! In this episode, Gianna returns to help Thomas teach the simple tone of the Marian Antiphon for the Easter season: Regina Caeli. Listen to hear the story of how this chant was originally sung for Pope Gregory the Great by an Angelic Choir!

REGINA, caeli, laetare, alleluia: Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia, Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

O QUEEN of heaven rejoice! alleluia: For He whom thou didst merit to bear, alleluia, Hath arisen as he said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

View Details

Happy Easter!!! Wouldn't it be a shame if we only got to celebrate Easter for one lousy day?

Music, courtesy of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest: http://www.institute-christ-king.org/uploads/music/tempore/MassLowSun_lg.pdf

View Details

Happy Easter!!! Except...if you're learning the propers for Easter Sunday, it's likely during Holy Week, so the A-word is still off limits and we're actually in the throes of the Passion. But you're almost there!

Music, courtesy of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest: https://www.institute-christ-king.org/uploads/music/tempore/MassEasterSun_lg.pdf

View Details

Music: https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=3038

The Parce Domine is based on a passage from the book of Joel, and has its origins as a chant as early as the 6th century.

Today Thomas is joined by a special guest host. We hope she's willing to come back and join us again!

Let us appease His wrath, Beg for mercy from our Judge; Cry to Him in supplication, Let us all prostrate and say:
By our sins we have offended against your mercy, O God Pour forth from above O pardoning One, your forgiveness
Having given us this acceptable time, grant that in the water of our tears we may purify our heart and that it may become a joyful sacrifice offered out of love.
O Merciful Creator, hear our prayers with our weeping in this holy time of forty day fasting.

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for Holy Thursday

Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/04/02/12-54-42_0.pdf

Gradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/17/04/12/17-19-13_0.pdf

Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/13/02/09/18-47-32_0.pdf

Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/16/06/21/18-08-35_0.pdf

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for Palm Sunday.

Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/03/29/03-24-08_0.pdf

Gradual: https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=4872

Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/13/02/09/18-46-33_0.pdf

Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/15/03/29/13-56-41_0.pdf

View Details

Musical Score: https://media.musicasacra.com/pdf/exsultet.pdf

In this marathon episode, Thomas teaches you to chant the Exsultet, the proclamation sung at the most exciting, wonderful, marvelous moment in the Liturgical Year -- the beginning of the Easter Vigil. This episode is intended for all those who have the privilege of preparing to sing this chant at the Easter Vigil.

Please be sure to keep the translation with you as you learn this one!

English:

Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven, exult, let Angel ministers of God exult, let the trumpet of salvation sound aloud our mighty King's triumph!

Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her, ablaze with light from her eternal King, let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.

Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice, arrayed with the lightning of his glory, let this holy building shake with joy, filled with the mighty voices of the peoples.

....

Full Text: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/easter/easter-proclamation-exsultet

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 5th Sunday of Lent.

Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8825-introit-judica-me-deus-et-discerne-causam-meam/download/

Gradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8823-graduale-eripe-me/download/

Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8821-offertory-confitebor-tibi-domine-toto-corde/download/

Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/media/pdfs/21/03/21/00-36-36_0.pdf

View Details

Link to the Music: https://tinyurl.com/stabatsolemn

In this episode, Giorgio and Joe sing a less well known, more difficult version of the Stabat Mater, in which there is a new melody every two verses.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest Latin hymns ever written, the Stabat Mater Dolorosa tells the story of the sorrows of Mary during her Son’s passion, and puts the singer in the position of begging to accompany her in those sorrows. Written in the 13th century, likely either by Pope Innocent the III or by a Fransiscan Friar: Jacopo da Todi.

He’s an interesting fellow, who was a very wealthy and successful lawyer, got a reputation for being worldly and greedy, married a pious woman who dedicated her life to penance and prayer for her wicked husband. When she died, Jacopo discovered that she had been wearing a hair-shirt at the time of her death, and he realized it was for his sake. He gave up all his earthly possesions, and joined the Fransiscans and was one of the more…Fransiscan of them…doing all kinds of weird things like crawling around the piazza wearing a saddle, and showing up to his brothers wedding tarred and feathered.

The Stabat Mater is actually one of a pair of hymns that he wrote to the Blessed Mother. The other was almost lost to history, but was rediscovered in the 18th century: Stabat Mater Speciosa – which sings of the birth of Jesus in the same style that the Dolorosa sings of His Passion: from the perspective of Mary, and begging to be admitted to her great joy just as in the Dolorosa we beg to be joined to her great sorrow.

At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last:

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has pass'd.

Oh, how sad and sore distress'd Was that Mother highly blest Of the sole-begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep, Whelm'd in miseries so deep, Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold?

Bruis'd, derided, curs'd, defil'd, She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent;

For the sins of his own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation, Till His Spirit forth He sent

. O thou Mother! fount of love! Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt; Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Saviour crucified:

Let me share with thee His pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee, Mourning Him who mourn'd for me, All the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay; There with thee to weep and pray; Is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!, Listen to my fond request: Let me share thy grief divine;

Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the death Of that dying Son of thine.

Wounded with his every wound, Steep my soul till it hath swoon'd, In His very blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die, In his awful Judgment day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, Be Thy Mother my defence, Be Thy Cross my victory;

While my body here decays, May my soul thy goodness praise, Safe in Paradise with Thee.

View Details

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year.

In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants for the 4th Sunday of Lent.

Links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):

Introit: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9999-pdf-fourth-4th-sunday-lent-year/download/

Gradual: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9996-fourth-4th-sunday-lent-year-new-translation/download/

Offertory: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/9987-fourth-4th-sunday-lent/download/

Communion: https://archive.ccwatershed.org/pdfs/8833-jerusalem-quae-aedificatur-ut-civitas/download/

View Details

https://tinyurl.com/agniparthenedhespina

In honor of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Giorgio, Thomas, and Joe teach you the hymn Agni Parthene, a marvelous hymn from the Orthodox tradition to Mary the Theotokos, or God-bearer.

O Virgin pure, immaculate, O Lady Theotokos, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O fleece bedewed with every grace, O Virgin Queen and Mother, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More radiant than the rays of sun, and higher than the heavens, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O joy of virgin es, superior to angels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O brighter than the firmament, and purer than the sun's light, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More holy than the multitude of all the heavenly armies, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!

O Ever-Virgin Mary, of all the world the Lady, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Bride all-pure, immaculate, O Lady Panagia, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Mary Bride and Queen of all, the cause of our rejoicing, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O noble maiden, gracious Queen, supremely holy Mother, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! More honored than the Cherubim, beyond compare more glorious, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Than the unbodied Seraphim, transcending the angelic Thrones, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!

Rejoice, the song of Cherubim, rejoice, the hymn of Angels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, the ode of Seraphim, the joy of the Archangels, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, O peace and happiness, and haven of salvation, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O sacred chamber of the Word, the flower of incorruption, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, delightful paradise of blessed life eternal, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! Rejoice, O sacred Queen of life, and fount of immortality, O rejoice, Bride unwedded!

I supplicate you, Lady, now, I fervently entreat you, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O Queen of all, I earnestly implore and seek your favor, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O gracious maiden, spotless one, O Lady Panagia, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! I call upon you ardently, O holy, hallowed temple, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! O help me and deliver me, protect me from the enemy, O rejoice, Bride unwedded! And make me an inheritor of blessed life eternal. O rejoice, Bride unwedded!

View Details

Music: https://tinyurl.com/massxvii

In this episode, Giorgio and Joe teach Mass XVII, traditionally used on Sunday during Advent and Lent.

View Details

Link to the music: https://tinyurl.com/stabatmaterdolorosa