Recent comments
Author: MTR
I didn't know that rich-text format allowed the creation of Hyperlinks from typed in Bitlinks. That;s new to me and a very useful feature. Thanks Richard for designing that into the System here at TCS. MTR
Author: Richard Schletty
Folksy sounding arrangement. Nice to hear this styling. You and Bill sound great together. I need a guitar with a timbre and presence like yours! Where can we find the words and chords to this song?
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, MTR, for sharing this promo technique. I didn't know you could embed a tweet here!
Author: Richard Schletty
Glad you got the message that I posted my stab at lyrics. Spread the word about TCS. Peace.
Author: Simone.Mehl
Thank you so much Richard, Im so happy! :-) Much appreciated and God bless
Author: MTR
This is an example of what I call a Triple Play Tweet.It Promotes TCS on Twitter to my FollowersIt gives a Link to MTR's Blog to Visitors to TCSIt gives a Link to MTR's Album to Visitors to TCSIt also serves the purpose of giving links to my Blog and Album to my Followers and to general Twitter Accounts who look at the Main Timeline, not just their Home Timeline. The use of the three Hashtags; #Catholic #Folk #SingerSongwriter gives my Followers a chance to find this Tweet by searching...
Author: Richard Schletty
Hello, Simone. The first two verses and the refrain of Mark Mallet's lyrics were posted here (song #8):
http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/Mary/List
I tried to finish the lyrics for you by listening to the full song (purchased from iTunes). But the first line of the third verse is not easy to understand – same trouble you had! I urge you to write to Mark to ask him for the correct lyrics: http://store.markmallett.com/about/
Ode to Mary
© Mark Mallett
When I was born...
Author: Richard Schletty
MTR, were you able to edit your post? Holler if you are not seeing the EDIT link above the blog area. – Admin Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, MTR, for mentioning TopCatholicSongs.com in your tweet. I hope this spurs interaction among the registered members of TCS, and brings in new visitors and new music contributions.
Author: MTR
MTS: That's a good point. I will check to see if I can change something on the back end so PDF attachments will open in a new window, as the default behavior. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt music. – Admin Richard Schletty
Author: MTR
I edited the Instructions on displaying the PDF to include Right-clicking the PDF and choosing "open in a new tab" to display the Info and Lyrics in a new tab on the browser so that displaying the PDF would not interfere with the playing of the music on the Embedded Player. MTR
Author: MTR
I just wanted to edit my blog post. not comment on anything. MTR
Author: Richard Schletty
I have already listened to some of your tracks. They are well written and performed with passion. You do well at communicating things of the spirit with grace and emotion. Looking forward to your remastered tracks. I encourage others to listen to your songs. Glad to have you here at TopCatholisSongs.com – Richard Schletty
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you so much for sharing your engraving skills with us for free. God bless you always, my friend.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like the song. Good job. Can you point me to a guide for learning to read sol-fa? That notation above the lyrics is very cryptic to me.
Author: Richard Schletty
I listened to "Rejoice" on Abigail's preview page and headed right on over to iTunes to add it to my collection of stress-reducing Christian music. Exquisite instrumental arrangements provide a flowing mesh for Abigail's angelic voice. I love the "world sound" of these songs – including Irish instruments and Middle Eastern duduk (flute).
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard. Thank you for the feedback! I don't know about ambitious though :-) . I Praise God for it all.I hesitantly called it 'Small Mass' because I wanted to make it part of a 'set' for a straight-to-the-point Mass - well, straight-to-the-point when compared with the length of some Masses. Not sure how it'll all go but this is the Kyrie for it. It definitely does not seem to be going in the "Small = Absolutely Simple" route! Hmm.I have just uploaded the Sanctus for this Mass on this site...
Author: Richard Schletty
That is a big sound for a "Small Mass!" Great job on 8-part writing. Is this your most ambitious piece so far? The MP3 file ends abruptly at 0:29 (bar 7). Would like to hear more. But I downloaded the score, so I can see the full piece.
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello! Thank you for the feedback as always! Yes, human voices singing this hymn will definitely bring out the required 'flow' that is not captured by the virtual instruments in this rendering.
Author: Dhaivid3
Thank you Richard.Amen. Yes, we pray for them all. Thank you for analysing the Hymn and providing your review here.Thank you too for making available this forum where music - and prayer in the form of music - can be shared.Blessings.
Author: Richard Schletty
A simple and effective prayer, sung in parts, which recognizes that the yield of our labor is through the grace of God, thus we offer thanks with a symbolic return of gifts to our Creator. I like the idea of a gathering from the four corners of the earth. Very visual. "For those not here" could be those who could not attend the gathering, or those who have passed from life – in advanced age or much too soon (including our precious babies killed in utero). "God, keep us all safe so that we may...
Author: baringcom16@gma...
Thanks a lot, Richard! God bless you always.
Author: Richard Schletty
Mark, I noticed the audio file wasn't showing up in the MP3 Player. I resampled it and reuploaded it. Great song. Impressive that it was blessed by JPII! – TCS admin Richard Schletty
Author: Living Waters
Just the act of 'noticing' is something so special. I can think of so many Gospel incidents where that was the center of Christ's mercy, noticing (e.g. Cana!). 'Providential' is the word I think of when considering that so much of our music was salvaged and is available now. Nobody exactly planned it that way, at least not this sinner. And I consider part of that Kingdom algorithm to be your generosity to all of us here - thank you for your response to grace....
Author: Dhaivid3
Yes, it DOES sound as if it is skipping! I did not notice it THAT way before. Ha ha. Only the patient or the 'really ineterested' therefore will wait for the divisions in the sound that come later.Thanks. I always appreciate your feedback and take on board what you say whenever I can.Blessings.Wede
Author: Dhaivid3
Ha ha. Thank you for the always helpful feedback. If you do, may I have a recording of it?Blessings!Wede
Author: Dhaivid3
Sublime. Fabulous. Well done! This arrangement is different from the one we used in our choir (we used the same arranegment as the one I posted earlier on in this post) however it is such a magical song, it is beautiful whatever the arrangement.
Author: Richard Schletty
Sounds like the Led Zeppelin riff for "Good Times, Bad Times" at the beginning. You sure got my attention. A most appropriate exhortation at the outset: "Change!" You are rockin' that Second Luminous Mystery – the Wedding at Cana – where Jesus turns plain water to wine at the behest of his mother, Mary. Good band sound. You have been around the block quite a few times. 40 years! Welcome to Top Catholic Songs.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like this. Seems fairly accessible to a singer. I should give this a go.
Author: Richard Schletty
Some good ideas here. An engaging melody with supportive harmony and light touches of counterpoint. Good job. The first several bars need more dynamics and fluidity/legato. Notes are too even. Part of the problem is the lack of expression in your virtual instrument. I am sure a "real" performance would breath more life into this piece. It would be less "hurdy-gurdy."
Author: Richard Schletty
Indeed! I sang the Josquin des Pres "Ave Maria" with Waltham Abbey Singers in May of 2009. A beautiful piece. How did we do? I sang bass.<a href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/ave-maria-josquin-des-pres" data-mce-href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/ave-maria-josquin-des-pres">Ave Maria - Josquin des Pres by Richard Schletty</a>
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard!Sorry, only just seeing this comment. Thank you for the kind words and very thoughtful feedback.Not sure I can put a finger on an inspiration for this. I am very keen on working in different languages and have enjoyed my experience in our choir here singing in German (we sing in several languages, but I was very moved by the experiences of learning to pronounce the words and sing in German; the way the songs make you "feel" their meaning as you sing), so I try to write some things...
Author: Richard Schletty
Wede, this is one of your finer themes or musical ideas. Tell me about your inspiration for this. It sounds like something out of the Appalacian Mountains or Irish lowlands (esp. because of the rendering with fiddles/violins). It seems more secular than liturgical. What are your plans for this "Sign of the Cross" or Doxology?
Author: Richard Schletty
Interesting how you start out with 12 notes all at the same pitch and duration. I thought the recording was skipping! But then the song develops nicely after that. Thanks for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
I forgot to mention that your comment was being held for moderation. I just noticed it and approved it today. I was supposed to receive notice of comments requiring approval but something must not be set right in the admin area. Learning as I go along. I am going to attend three days of Drupal Camp this week, so hopefully I can sharpen my Drupal admin skills.
Author: baringcom16@gma...
Thanks a lot, Richard! You are such a blessing! I'm looking forward to receive a recording of the song. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Edgar. My pianist and I are going to present this song at St. Mary's Church (St. Paul, MN) sometime in the near future. I'll send you a recording.
Author: baringcom16@gma...
Dear Richard,Enclosed is the set of chords that you requested for the above-named song. TO JESUS, THRU MARYWords & Music by:Edgar Villavert CombongCopyright 2009 *Suggestion for Best Guitar Accompaniment: Finger Picking Style Intro: C-Em-F-G (2X) 1st Verse C F ...
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard.Thanks for the feedback and thanks as always for everything.I COMPLETELY agree that it is high! The thing is, I kind of wrote it for male trebles, boy sopranos perhaps (I mean for REALLY high soprano singers). You probably noticed that me and my friend sang it at a lower key! When we sang it, I said I was not prepared to sing it at the pitch it is written in (ha ha) :-) even though SHE was not averse to the idea of going ahead at that pitch at all. There is a resource here on...
Author: Richard Schletty
Nice work on this, Wede. I recommend transposing this down one or two whole steps. Seems quite high for the sopranos. Would love to hear it layered with male voices. Are you going to develop this more?
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan, I hope my song sketch gives you some ideas. There are still some things that could be improved. I tried several different melodies, tempos and stylings. Perhaps there are too many verses. I hope other people feel free to comment. I am open to critique. Maybe we can find another collaborator!Are you hoping to record the song? Do you have a way to record voices and instruments? What music mixing and sequencing programs do you have? Let me know what your goals are. I like music collaboration...
Author: Richard Schletty
Here is my rough audio demo:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/through-your-rosary" data-mce-href="http://richardschletty.bandcamp.com/track/through-your-rosary"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Through Your Rosary by Dan Vi Nguyen, Richard Schletty&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;...
Author: asiansa09
Well, you don't put it back to the song lyric, it probably makes no sense in English. Just go with the flow of the song that you feel best for the song.I really the version of the song that you edit, especially "Dear Mother, Virgin Mary."
Author: Richard Schletty
I will put the phrase "Heaven O'i" back into the song. I understand how important it is to you as a cultural expression. I will post a song demo with a lead sheet.You wrote: "I think of the music tone that how we call each other."What do you mean by music tone? I read that in Vietnamese, syllables can have six different tones. Should o'i be said with a rising tone?
Author: asiansa09
First of all, I really appreciate your effort to work on my song lyric.Secondly, you are right about the word "oi" meaning "hi" in my language, Vietnamese. I came from motherland Vietnam, and I think of the music tone that how we call each other. I thankful for correct my song lyric, and that you are welcome to do demo for the song lyric.Can you also post the lead sheet for the song.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan, do you have a rough idea of a time signature and a melody for your song? It is hard to review the lyrics without setting the words to a tempo and beat.As songwriters, we try to tell a good story with words that are easy to understand. The words must flow and follow a natural speaking style, with stressed and unstressed syllables – this is called prosody.As I read your lyrics, I cannot easily fit them into a meter. Also, some words should be changed so they have better meaning in English. I...
Author: asiansa09
Feel free to give comment and suggestion for improvement on song lyrics.
Author: Richard Schletty
I am looking forward to your recording of these lyrics you wrote which are uncomplicated and to the point: we ask our Holy Mother to intercede for us as we ask God and Jesus to make us holy!I like what you did with your other song, "Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
Author: Richard Schletty
Sorry I missed your post from 3 weeks ago. I see you found a collaborator and uploaded your recording of this song! I commented. I like it. Your lyrics and vocal styling speak clearly and directly to us about the Trinity. Thanks for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is a direct and well articulated song. A great message. I like it. A good one for Trinity Sunday!
Author: Richard Schletty
A rich, inviting blend of voice and instrumentation lifting to heaven. Thank you for sharing!
Author: Michael Glen Bell
The lyrics to this song are adapted from the Easter Vigil Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (5th century).
Author: Richard Schletty
I found some info about the singer Alphons Joseph.http://www.alphonsjoseph.comhttp://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/those-baby-steps-into-music/article6148350.ecehttps://www.facebook.com/alphonsjoseph/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphons_JosephAnd links to Fr. Joby Kachappilly VC:http://www.divinetoronto.org/index.php/historyhttp://www.divinetoronto.org/index.php/gallery/list_view/1/videoIs this the composer of the song? https://www.facebook.com/RylandDsouza
Author: Richard Schletty
I was very pleased to discover this song upload this evening. It really connects with me. The singing is clear and heartfelt. I would like to know more about Alphons Joseph and how this song was recorded. Thank you for sharing.TCS editor, Richard Schletty
Author: msmith
Thank you, Richard! It is my hope that children will enjoy singing these songs to the Lord and that He will be praised and glorified through them.Thank you for your encouragement.
Author: Richard Schletty
Margo, I am so glad to hear about your CD “Jesus, I Love You.” May it bring joy, devotion and musicality to Christian youth activities.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Dũng Ho, for sharing this song sung by Joseph Nguyen Hong An. He has a wonderful voice. Do you have an English translation of the lyrics that you could post here? – Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
A sincere and articulate testimony of your love for Christ. Well sung, well played, with great production. Thank you for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
Kelly wrote to me and said I had probably found the wrong song (as posted above). Here is what Kelly wrote:I was trying to post a comment but was unable. I have worked at several catholic schools over the years and one of the songs we used at advent time in the 90's was 'waiting by the window'. I don't believe this is the same song you referenced. The words of the chorus are as follows:Waiting by the window (echo: waiting by the window)Hope he's going to come soon (echo)Hope that he...
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard.Allow me to just say a quick 'WELL DONE' to you and I hope you succeed in your projects, current and any planned for the future.Regards,Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Indeed, filling the mind with hope is the theme of the song. Thanks, Wede. We appreciate your positive comments.
Author: Dhaivid3
I like it. Christmassy; would suit the night of Christmas. Nice and warm music, filling the mind with hope - even if the word is not used once in the song. Well done to you all.
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard.Just saw your message! Thank you for the kind feedback - I started this one a while ago!Will be happy if you do sing it. Hope you can find a choir. Your voice will really suit the bass part!!!For my part, I'm still trying to find choir(s)! :-) !!Blessings,Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Good weaving of voices in a full range. You are getting a good handle on counterpoint. I want to sing this. I'll take the bass part!
Author: Richard Schletty
Welcome, Joanne, to TopCatholicSongs.com. So glad to know about your debut album. Thank you for sharing your story. You have a beautiful voice and your songs are uplifting. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
I have this song available as music scores in PDF format, free for the asking. Contact me through the user contact form. I would love to hear your feedback, and would love to have you sing this in church or at Christmas gatherings. Or sing it to your child!I am most appreciative to Andre van Haren for his help with orchestral arranging. Contact hm for all your composition, arranging and engraving needs. www.andrevanharen.com.
Author: Richard Schletty
Maria, thank you for sending your beautiful voice recording of Magnificat (As the Rain Rushes Down) as your mother taught it to you. This is definitely a different melody. I think I like it better than the Robert Blue melody. It makes me wonder where the words for the refrain originated. And it makes me wonder which came first – the 1966 Robert Blue version or the version you sang for me. Here is Maria's recording: http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/magnificat-maria-version
Author: Richard Schletty
I would love to hear this sung. Nice work. Festive and devotional.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is a nice arrangement. An intimate chamber music sound. The polyphony makes it interesting and keeps the piece moving.
Author: Richard Schletty
Maria: Is my YouTube video OK? Am I singing it correctly? This is what I posted above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbUq98PlIFQ Are you able to record your singing and send me an MP3? You can contact me by clicking on my user name and sending me a message.Here is the original sheet music from which I sang:http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/sites/default/files/Magnificat-Robert-Blue-HFYC-p141.pdfI also recently ordered and received the original recording of Magnificat by Robert Blue – on his...
Author: Marnisa
My mom used to sing this when I was a baby. She was a former nun for the FMA (Friends of Mary of the Assumption). I could sing it for youin the right tune in acapella and send it to you. My mom died in 2010. This song reminds me of her. I was trying to search online for that song.I didn't know it was The Magnificat. All I remember is As the rain rushes down. I do know how to sing it and if you can make a proper recordingof the tune I would very much appreciate it.Maria
Author: Richard Schletty
I also hope your Nigerian choir sings them! God be with you. Keep posting. MAybe others will catch on that this site can be a fount of inspiration.
Author: Richard Schletty
I wish I could help you. I did a search last year and searched again today. I can't find any instrumental sheet music. I did transcribe the chords that you see above from a couple YouTube videos. Hopefully, someone else can help you locate a score with strings. Otherwise, I could ask my colleague André to prepare an original arrangement for you. Do you have a budget for this? André can create a score using Sibelius. Thanks.
Author: madg
Dear friends, I am a string player [violin & viola]. I would like to find the sheet music for Mary Queen of the Universe.Thanks for all your help.
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard! Hope you are doing great?! Yes, by angels! Ha ha! I hope you have been keeping well and the singing is going strong. Have a good day!Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Edewede, I like this composition. It has the feel of a polyphonal song from the Medieval or Baroque periods. Of course, it will greatly improve when performed by voices and live instruments. Even better if performed by angels! Thank you for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
Fr. Joseph, I really like this song. So well writen and performed. Indeed, we are travelers caught between the organic sensations of earth and the sweet bliss of heaven.
Author: Richard Schletty
Have you played at NET Ministries events? I'd like to work with you to get a youth concert series going around the Twin Cities. You have my email contact info. I know St. Matthew's, St. Michael's and Our Lady of Guadalupe will be looking at New Evangelization initiatives. They recently purchased a CCLI license. Have you submitted your songs to CCLI SongSelect? I wonder if the Knights of Columbus, (West St. Paul and/or St. Paul Councils) would be interested in sponsoring gigs where you and I...
Author: Richard Schletty
I like the feel of this song. An upbeat search for goodness – a man looking to do better in his realtionship with his wife. Good words. Positive music with a message. The ukelele and horn are really cool. Tell us about how you recorded this. Do you perform it live?
Author: Richard Schletty
Here is a related article. This is from a recent issue of our Archdiocesan newspaper – The Catholic Spirit (the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota). It addresses the "New Evangelization" from a broad perspective.Catholics leaving pews; new initiatives aim to be antidoteshttp://thecatholicspirit.com/featured/catholics-leaving-pews-new-initiatives-aim-to-be-antidotes/As you see, the article does not make any mention of worship or praise music. The failure to deeply Catholicize...
Author: Dhaivid3
GOD Bless, Richard. It's all GOD's work.Not sure - I hope that someday my old choir in Nigeria will sing some of my music; even if they sing ONE, that will be a prayer answered.Many regards,Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Wede, I like your musical ideas. This one has a polyphonal Renaissance feel. It is bright and earnest – yearning to capture the attention of God. I hope you can get a real choir to try it out.
Author: Dhaivid3
Oops. Missed this message from you somehow. Yes, thank you very much for introducing us. He did give it an upgrade! :)Let me know how you get on.God Bless.Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Here is some info about Sir Richard Terry and the 1912 Westminister Hymnal, approved for use in Roman Catholic liturgies in Great Britain:Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1865-1938)http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Biographies/richard_runciman_terry.htm"Terry was able to establish at Westminster Cathedral a tradition of musical treatment for the whole of the Roman liturgy in England based on the principles laid down in the Motu proprio, so that the Use of Westminster...
Author: Richard Schletty
My choir director is quite impressed with this piece. Here is what she wrote:"Thanks, Richard. I was not familiar with this motet, and we may use it. We do have a not insignificant repertory of polyphonic motets, and a few we have for Pentecost, but not of Victoria, and not with the chorale alternatum. Ostrowski is an interesting fellow, worth listening to. We may in fact try this Victoria motet/hymn arrangement Sunday, depending on the choir's energy at rehearsal. I'm sending...
Author: Richard Schletty
I'm glad I connected you with André van Haren who improved your engraving by adding hyphens to words and adding a simple organ accompaniment. Bravo! Hopefully, I can arrange to get a real voice recording of your Kyrie I.
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello.I listened to this several times yesterday. I might be over-reacting here but I don't believe I have ever heard anything as beautiful as this. It had a strange effect on me, I cannot quite explain it. Thank you for posting it. Such a Blessing.Many regards,Wede
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Wede. Let's see what we can do to create beautiful sacred music together.
Author: Dhaivid3
Dear Mr. Richard.Thank you for the kind feedback. I am glad you are open to the suggestion of collaborating. I am not sure what I can contribute to your music projects however please feel free to let me know if you have any ideas that we can work on together!I have attached the PDFs to all my songs on the website. There are four of them now. Yes, I try as much as I can to make sure I generate a PDF for all my music. I use Finale Notepad, a free software. With Finale Notepad, you...
Author: Richard Schletty
Dear Wede,Thank you for sharing your Kyrie Eleison and Halleluia songs. Good polyphony. I especially like that you attached a PDF of the sheet music for this Kyrie. Can you do that for the other songs?What program do you use to create your MIDI recording? What program do you use to create your sheet music?We might be able to help you get better recordings of your songs. Do you have a church choir that can sing this for you? Otherwise, I will try to find SATB voices to demo the song. I am...
Author: Richard Schletty
Dear Wede,Thank you for sharing your Kyrie Eleison and Halleluia songs. Good polyphony. I especially like that you attached a PDF of the sheet music for one of the songs. Can you do that for the other songs?What program do you use to create your MIDI recording? What program do you use to create your sheet music?We might be able to help you get better recordings of your songs. Do you have a church choir that can sing this for you? Otherwise, I will try to find SATB voices to demo the song. ...
Author: Richard Schletty
Dear Wede,Thank you for sharing your Kyrie Eleison and Halleluia songs. Good polyphony. I especially like that you attached a PDF of the sheet music for one of the songs. Can you do that for the other songs?What program do you use to create your MIDI recording? What program do you use to create your sheet music?We might be able to help you get better recordings of your songs. Do you have a church choir that can sing this for you? Otherwise, I will try to find SATB voices to demo the song. ...