I placed this out there hoping that it would be used as intended; little did I know it would be used so soon. Canon Talarico informed me in July that they had recorded it within the context of the Liturgy, which was a pleasant surprise.

I would mention the singers by name, but I don't know any of them. Perhaps that will be rectified in a future comment.

In any case, thanks so much for the kind words, my friend; I am grateful!

Dear ACLumsden,

Many in this video, I believe, are perhaps less than five years into singing the chant, and then on a part-time basis. So your encouragement is most valued, especially as a veteran of the art!

The first years are so very critical in building up the belief that one can actually sing these more complex propers; but, also as critical, once that belief is secure, to use the acquired textbook technique as a point of departure to a more perhaps 'passionate' rendition (both in solo and ensemble chanting). To sing with understanding, and allow the texts to be illuminated by the melody instead of shrouded by it, is key IMO. I hope this makes sense.

I share your weariness of the philosophy you describe, by the way, which often unintentionally shrouds the text by an overly dogmatic performance methodology.

Dear ACLumsden,

In defense of the ensemble interpretation, what you hear is a large ensemble of women who had less than a week singing together, most under a new conductor, and some, perhaps, that were new to the experience (and thus perhaps overly careful or "in the notes," so to speak). So before dismissing the rendition entirely, please be aware that these factors played a part.

Can one name an average pianist who can pull of, say, Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu flawlessly and with all its emotive tumult, with less than a week's notice?

As a singer of chant for only six years, I appreciate and understand your critique. However, I believe you will understand that it takes a long time to get to fluency; your (and others') indulgence is appreciated.

Thanks for visiting and reading.

Dear ACLumsden,

In defense of the ensemble interpretation, what you hear is a large ensemble of women who had less than a week singing together, most under a new conductor, and some, perhaps, that were new to the experience (and thus perhaps overly careful or "in the notes," so to speak). So before dismissing the rendition entirely, please be aware that these factors played a part.

Can one name an average pianist who can pull of, say, Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu flawlessly and with all its emotive tumult, with less than a week's notice?

As a singer of chant for only six years, I appreciate and understand your critique. However, I believe you will understand that it takes a long time to get to fluency; your (and others') indulgence is appreciated.

Thanks for visiting and reading.