Having long admired Mr. Noel Jones’ work in Catholic music, I was honored to contribute to the Sacred Music Library. His mission to provide quality and affordable hymnody, choral, and organ music to parishes is essential, as much of the rich musical heritage of the Church remains underutilized or inaccessible.

A particular focus of this collection is organ and keyboard music from the late medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods, often termed "Early Music." Despite growing interest in these works since the 1960s, they have yet to gain mainstream acceptance. This collection seeks to change that by offering pieces suited for liturgical use today.

In many parishes, authentic sacred music is still disconnected from its roots. This compilation of organ works aims to bridge that gap by reviving forgotten pieces that fit perfectly within the liturgy. The majority of these compositions were originally intended for organ or keyboard, while a few were for ensemble performances, such as Susato’s Ronde and the Paduana del Re, which, though once dance music, can serve well as offertories or postludes.

More inherently liturgical works include Cavazzoni’s Christe Redemptor Omnium and Titelouze’s Ave Maris Stella, organ alternatim compositions where the organ alternates with the choir in hymn verses. Other forms, like toccatas and voluntaries, serve during various parts of the service. Intonazione pieces provide singers with their starting pitch, guiding them through the hymn’s modal structure. Works by Byrd and Bull, akin to “fantasies,” blend liturgical elements into music originally played on plucked keyboard instruments.

While music from this period may seem foreign to modern ears, the pieces in this collection have been handpicked for their lasting appeal. They manage to balance their historical roots with a timeless beauty that transcends centuries. More importantly, they are suitable for Mass, embodying the excellence and reverence required of sacred music—music that enhances the liturgy without drawing undue attention.

This collection strives to fulfill the vision articulated by the popes: that the organ should express the faithful's sentiments toward God and serve as an integral part of worship.

John F. Church  

September 10, 2024