With the Christmas season, not too far away, I was thinking, that at that time of year, the Church realy seems more Catholic than ever. Why? becausethe music is really Catholic. The rest of the year the music leaves a lot to be desired. Emphasis less on God, and more on me, but Christmas, ah, that is when Jesus gets His do.

-- Phil (Tanner@msn.com), October 28, 2003

Answers

I feel that way about Easter music too. Maybe it's because they keep more to the older hymns/songs at those times, whereas with the rest of the year the music is more modern.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 28, 2003.

Maybe I'm getting old, but I think all the "Catholic" music is wonderful. I come from the Lutheran church where they sing nothing but the "really old" standards in a key that nobody can reach.

I'll take Catholic music any day.

Peace

-- Leon (vol@weblink2000.net), October 28, 2003.

Leon, I'm sure if you mention it to someone in charge of the music they would be happy to change the key--you're not the only one who feels this way.

On electronic keyboards you can just press a button up or down to change keys and the musician just plays as written (like using a capo on a guitar). Or they can actually convert it to the new key.

Often keys are raised or lowered for the particular person behind the microphone, who naturally doesn't want to sing badly in front of everyone. What I could sing at 6:30am was always somewhat lower than what I could sing at 5pm.... :-)

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 28, 2003.

Hi Leon,

Not Christmas oe Catholic music, but I have to tip my hat to that venerable Lutheran hymn "Almighty Fortress" First heard it when I was a kid trying to find something...anything to watch on Sunday morning. In the 60's with the exception of David and Pokey, there wasn't much kid stuff on on Sunday mornings. The Stooges and Poppeye must have been banned. But, there was one show, I believe it was called "Lamp unto my Feet" Well it started and ended with "Almighty Fortress" I couldn't get that tune out of my head. They wouldn't play it in Catholic mass until about 1966. Gave me chills when I first heard it with the "real deal" organ when it was finally given the musical OK at Catholic mass. I was real happy with the addition. I'll never forget that 10:15 mass when they finally let a bit of Luther back. Jim.

-- Jim Furst (furst@flash.net), November 10, 2003.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (not "Almighty Fortress") -- written by Fr. Martin Luther as "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott."

-- (A@Slight.Correction), November 12, 2003.

Thanks Slight,

I guess I rarely ever heard the words,... just the tune. When people sang, I guess I heard what I wanted. Jim

-- JIm Furst (furst@flash.net), November 12, 2003.