What are the characteristics of a good hymn?
It's common enough to make lists of good and bad hymns, and to bash bad ones, but I'd like to start a discussion about good or even great hymns.What are some examples, and what makes them good?
View ArticleLooking for Two Spanish Hymns
One of my priests is looking for melody-only notation for "Cantar al Señor" (NOT the contemporary one!) and "Padre Eterno, Dios Piadoso." Assuming they are in the public domain, we would like to make...
View ArticleHelp Identifying Tune
I have a tune floating around my head, associated with the text "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee," and for the life of me I can't find out what it's called, or even if it's a real tune or a mishmash...
View ArticleHYMN OF THE MONTH - AUGUST: Hail! Virgin of Virgins
The month of August has arrived! For my HYMN OF THE MONTH write-up I have chosen a hymn for Feast of the Assumption. This beautiful hymn was written by a Catholic priest in 1860. Several melodies were...
View ArticleDiocese of Marquette - Diocesan Hymnal
The Diocesan Hymnal of the Diocese of Marquette. Does anyone know the status of this project? I've checked on their diocesan website, and while its use is mandated, there is no mention of the title of...
View ArticleLooking for Hymns for Feast of St. Augustine
I am looking for suggestions for hymns for the Feast of St. Augustine ... and even programs used for this feast. Thank you, Bob Costa Mesa, CA
View ArticleHYMN OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER: Mother of Mercy
September has arrived and for my HYMN OF THE MONTH series, I've chosen one of my favorite hymns, a hymn well suited for the month of September and a beautiful hymn the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy on...
View ArticleWhere would I learn to write hymns?
Hi all,I write formal poetry (rhyme, meter, etc.), and I’d like to learn to write hymns. Anyone know of any resources for this?Thanks!
View ArticleJubilee hymn competition
https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/inno.htmlI have to confess that I am a bit confused. I can't discern a meter in this text and there are parts that seem theologically dodgy. However, I am hoping very...
View Article1982's intro to On This Day...
...is terrible and impossible to sing.I have never heard a congregation get the entrance right.I have never been able to get the entrance right.I can't even seem to count it right in my head by...
View ArticleHymn text: prayer of St. Michael the Archangel
Esteemed colleagues: I know many of you are hymn writers...I would like some feedback on my attempt at arranging the prayer of St. Michael for 7676D. I have in the mind the tune AURELIA and to use it...
View ArticleHymn of the Month - October: O Queen of the Holy Rosary
October has arrived and for my HYMN OF THE MONTH series, I have chosen one of my favorite hymns, a hymn well suited for the month of October. This hymn was written by a well-known hymn writer, the wife...
View ArticleHow Lovely is Your Dwelling-Place
Before I jump on MuseScore. . . Has anyone else put the PD words "How lovely is your dwelling-place/ O Lord of hosts to me . . . " to the PD hymn tune ST. COLUMBA? (the 8.6.8.6 fits into the 8.7.8.7...
View ArticleJohn Law, Composer of MONTESANO
Does anyone know anything about John Law, composer of the hymn tune MONTESANO? "Songs of Praise Discussed" (#491, page 261) says "MONTESANO, by John Law, appeared in Songs of Praise (1931)". I assume...
View ArticleCongregational singing competition
Presently there is an excellent thread going on, about encouraging congregational participation in the singing.So as not to sidetrack that, I'd like to post a related questionEveryone has probably had...
View ArticleAccompanying an Unenthusiastic Congregation
I have classified this discussion under "Hymnody," but it also applies to the chants of the Ordinary of the Mass. I know what sorts of organ registrations to use to accompany schola, choir, or full...
View ArticleHymn of the Month - November: Sweet Name Which Makes The Dying Live
In anticipation of ALL SOUL'S DAY, I decided to publish my November HYMN OF THE MONTH a few days early. I have chosen a hymn well suited for the month of November which was widely used at Catholic...
View ArticleNeed Hymn Tunes for the "Office of the Sacred Heart"
Hymns are:O Heaven’s glorious KingHeart, worthy Throne of GodheadO heart! love’s victim, slain!Choice Cabinet of our Lord!O may we ne’er provokeLove did this refuge winO, wond’rous pow’r of loveThe...
View ArticleHELMSLEY variant
HELMSLEY has a rhythmic variant in the fourth-to-last measure. Some hymnals have a dotted half note followed by two eighths, and the others have a half note followed by two quarters.Can anyone think of...
View ArticleHymns for Doctors of the Church
Has anyone found great hymns that are appropriate for Feasts of the Doctors of the Church?This Is the Feast Day/ This the Confessor is one, but are there others?I'm especially looking for texts in the...
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