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 Sacred Music and Art: Catholic Rites and Teachings
An excellent first stop for introductions to Catholic belief and practice.

 Ecclesiastical Music
From the Catholic Encyclopedia. See also:
- Music of the Mass
- Liturgical Chant
- Gregorian Chant
- Plain Chant
- Congregational Singing
- Musical Instruments in Church Services
- Music of Vespers
- Passion Music


 How Does Music Express the Word of God, the Vision of God?
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on the role of music in the encounter with the divine in the "cosmic liturgy." See also by Cardinal Ratzinger:
- "In the Presence of Angels I Will Sing Your Praise"
- Cardinal Ratzinger On Liturgical Music 
   "The Cultural Challenge vs. The Biblical Culture Of Faith"
   "The Sociological Challenge vs. True Christian Anthropology" 
   "The 'Postconciliar' Challenge vs. The Cosmic Liturgy"


 The Origin of the Hymns of the Liturgy
A brief history of the origin of hymns, showing their origin in the memory and custom of Jewish ritual. Includes consideration of the Divine Office and Breviary and the hymns of St. Ambrose, St. Gregory the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas.


 Instrumental Music in Church
Examines the use of instrumental music in the sacred ceremonies of the Old Law, and the way in which it came to form an integral part of Catholic worship.


 Instrumental Music and the Liturgy
Examines the history of the use of instruments in Church music, from the first century through the pontificate of Pope Pius XII.


 Church Compositions Without Liturgical Foundation
Although written in a 1933 edition of the Catholic journal, Orates Fratres, offers history and principles for sacred music that remain relevant.
- Part 2