Los Angeles herald., 1905-12-17
CHURCH ADOPTS
GRE EGORIAN CHANT
ST. VBIAEA'S CATHEDRAL IS
FIRST
Los Angeles Diocese Among Leaders
Of World to Comply With Order of
Pope Plus X Regarding
Ancient Music


order of Pope Plus X regarding Grego-
rian chants in the church service is the
distinction which falls to st. Nibiana $
cathedral of Los Angeles, which almost
Immediately began the use of Grego-
rian music. and which has been con-
tinued for over year.
The diocese OF Monterey and Los
Angeles is rapidly becoming known
throughout this country and the old
world as one of the most progressive
of Catholic dioceses, especially since
the advent of Rt. Rev. Bishop Conaty
as head of the diocese, a little more
than two years ago.
shortly after his arrival Bishop
Conaty began the improvement and en-
largement of the diocese, among the
chief innovations being the elimination
of all operate and secular music from
the church services For the study ana
introduction of the Gregorian music
the bishop appointed a council, win
Rev. Thomas +. Fahey as diocesan
choir master.
Father Fahey had made a study of
the old Gregoran chant before his or
dnation at the Niagara university. He
has made a complete study of the
problems presented in introducing the
music here and it was under his direc-
ton it was first introduced here.
Honored Los Angeles Priest
Los Angeles is peculiarly fitted for
the introduction of the solemn music.
as the cosmopolitan population includes
many well-known musicians from all
parts of the world, who would assist
in the revival of the Gregorian chant.
Another honor which falls to a Los
Angeles priest was the invitation eX-
tended to Rev. Raphael Fuhr, o. f.
M, pastor of st. Joseph'S church. to
attend the International Music con-
gress at Strausburg, which convened
last August. Father Raphael was the
only Franciscan priest invited to par
ticipate in the deliberations of the con-
gress regarding church music, but
through stress of work incident to the
erection of a parochial school in the
parish he was unable to attend.
The order of Pope Plus Y, shortly
after he took the chair of Peter de-
creeing that Gregorian chants should
replace the secular music in the Cath
Ollie churches throughout the world.
caused much discussion among the
musicians of every cline 1t was looked
upon as almost impossible in the pres
ent day, as it would necesSitate male
choirs if carried out properly, and the
men of today seem to care little for
such things.
Pope Plus X appointed commission
under the direction of Father Perosi,
head of the famous boys choir of the
Sistine chapel in Rome. This commits
sion after much study and delibera-
ton, has issued an edition of the re-
vsed Fyrielle or Gregorian chant.
copy of which was sent to Father
Fahey recently from Paris by Bishop
Conaty, and which is the first Official
edition received in the diocese.
Bishop Studies Question
The new edition differs little from
the style of music which has been used
at the cathedral by mixed choir of
fifty voices.
The Cecilian school of music strongly
resembles the Gregorian, and which is
favored by some in preference to it, is
liturgical and closely follows the text
and the words. 1t is arranged and
composed by musicians the world over,
who took st. Cecilia as their pat
roness.
This music has been largely used
heretofore in the cathedral schools of
Italy and Germany where boys choiIs
are maintained. The boys receive
thorough instruction, in pay for which
they serve certain periods in the choirs.
In speaking of the local application
of the order of the pontiff, Father
Fahey stated that the law thus made
binds all churches without exception.
and that the ideal service would in
clude the sanctuary choir of the early
days. The churches at present are not
able to do this, but it is thought that
1t will be the ultimate end of the dis
cussion.
Bishop Conaty has made an extern
sive study of the question, both here
and in the old country, and on his re-
turn from Rome it is expected that he
will announce his decision regarding
the music. as regards the local
churches. But it is expected that he
will follow the letter of the law.
Praises Gregoran Music
When seen at the cathedral. Father
Fahey gave his views regarding the
music, which he heartily indorses. He
said:
II feel sure that we could maintain a
male choir at the cathedral church at
least. Regarding the other churches
do not know. But the people want a
change to the grand solemn and with
al simple music of the early days of
the church. 1t will add impressiveness
to the service.
"Since last August the children of
the parochial schools have been trained
in the Gregorian chant, but the results
OF lhlS training cannot be seen at
present. juvenile choir. which is ex-
pected to be formed soon, will demon-
strate the work accomplished.
"Gregorian music is the sole proper
ty of the church and its usage is pre-
scrlpllNe ana pefceptlNe. Unfortunate
ly it has suffered from prejudice and
culpable ignorance. No wonder the
stupid average organist thinks it
nebulous and enigmatical in character
THE church has bid farewell to all
modern music with its vain repeti-
tions. senseless texts and stage effects,
which are mere worthless. noisy trash
compared to the noble, solemn, digni-
fled and majestic GreEorian music
when properly presented 4"