Through interviews with composers, text writers, and more, “Open Your Hymnal” explores the most consequential liturgical music heard in churches around the world.
It's been a busy summer for Open Your Hymnal - conferences, travel, new interviews, new partnerships. Now, co-hosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert return from their summer break to a conversation with composer Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, about his song "Many and Great." They discuss musical style, cultural idioms, compositional influence, cultural identity, and more! They also introduce a new segment - the "Open Your Hymnal Playlist" - featuring songs Zack and Matt picked that relate to one of the conversation threads from the episode.
So, please open your hymnal to "Many and Great."
"I Send You Out"
Jun 01, 2018
Show notes
There is a lot to unpack in our Season 2 premier: the role and place of contemporary music, style wars, the synthesis of faith-culture-life, how we must do a better job of sending instead of just gathering, and more. Even Hootie & the Blowfish make an appearance! Listen as Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert speak with composer John Angotti about one of his best-loved songs, "I Send You Out." They'll touch on all of the topics already mentioned, and offer insights into the pastoral, musical, and liturgical realities of being music missionaries, not just music ministers. In doing so, John shares about his creation of the song, his own journey and vocation as a music minister, and the critical work of ministry.
So, please open your hymnal to "I Send You Out."
Special Feature: A Conversation with Fr. James Martin
May 26, 2018
Show notes
In just a few short days, we’ll be launching our second season of new episodes and interviews. Just in time for graduation and commencement season, we’ll start with our conversation with composer John Angotti about his song, “I Send You Out.” We’ll also be welcoming Carol Browning, Fr. Ricky Manalo, our second conversation with David Haas, and many more.
Before we do, we want to share with you this special feature. A few weeks ago, co-host Matt Reichert was able to spend time chatting with Fr. James Martin for the other podcast he hosts, “Ministry Monday.” In that episode, they discussed a host of topics including evangelization, maintaining a healthy balance, and navigating culture wars. They had a great conversation, and not all of it fit into the episode. So, we saved a few nuggets for you.
Today, you’ll hear the excerpts of that conversation that deal with liturgical music. Fr. Jim will share a little about his experience with liturgical music and some of his favorite songs. You can hear the rest of this conversation at ministrymonday.org.
So, we hope you enjoy this excerpt. If you haven’t yet, make sure you are subscribed to Open Your Hymnal so you never miss an episode. Get ready for Season Two!
"The Lord is My Light"
May 01, 2018
Show notes
We end our first season the way it began, with a setting of a Psalm text! Join cohosts Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they speak with composer Christopher Walker about his setting of Psalm 27. They discuss the sometimes not-so-helpful structure of responsorial Psalms, the clash of popular music culture and liturgical music culture regarding composer celebrity status, the importance of humility, and more.
So, please open your hymnal to "The Lord is My Light."
"Covenant Hymn"
Mar 30, 2018
Show notes
Gary Daigle, Terry Donohoo, and Rory Cooney
It's our OYH Easter Vigil episode! Much like the vigil, this episode is longer and packed full of lots of beautiful moments. Join hosts Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski as they return to composers Gary Daigle and Rory Cooney, this time in conversation together about one of their best-known and best-loved collaborations. You'll hear about "homiletic" texts, the song's intended use for rites of initiation, and the latest OYH liturgical music "bombshell". Our conversation is also joined by Diana Macalintal who shares more information about the RCIA and the concept of "covenant" in the ritual action of the Easter Vigil.
So, please open your hymnal to "Covenant Hymn."
Episode links
For more information about Gary Daigle and his other compositions, visit his composer page at GIA Publications.
You can learn more about Diana Macalintal and her work at her website: www.TeamRCIA.com
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 17: "Covenant Hymn"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
"Center of My Life"
Mar 12, 2018
Show notes
From our interview at NPM 2017: Matt Reichert, Paul Inwood, and Zack Stachowski
Join us as OYH ventures "across the pond"! In this interview recorded in July 2017, Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski spoke with composer Paul Inwood about one of his best-loved compositions and, in the process, learned a little bit about the trajectory of post-Vatican II music in the United Kingdom. In addition to earning extra frequent listener miles, this week's episode features another music theory lesson from Prof. Stachowski (and he busts out his guitar, back by popular demand).
So, please open your hymnal to "Center of My Life."
You can learn more about the One Call Institute by visiting www.onecallinstitute.org. You can listen to the Ministry Monday podcast by visiting www.ministrymonday.org. Subscribe today! You can learn more about the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress by visiting www.recongress.org.
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 16: "Center of My Life"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
"From Ashes to the Living Font"
Feb 14, 2018
Show notes
Composer Alan Hommerding, during our interview in December 2017 at World Library Publications in Chicago, Illinois.
Brace yourself for a double whammy: our first Lenten episode and our first hymnody conversation! Join Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert as they chat with composer and text-writer Alan Hommerding. They discuss the way metrical hymns works, the "evaporating pool" of hymn tunes in American parishes, and the need for a moratorium on the tune BEACH SPRING (no, not really). Whether you know a lot about hymns, are new to hymns, or think you don't like hymns (you're wrong, by the way), you'll learn something new in this episode.
So, please open your hymnal to "From Ashes to the Living Font."
You can view video of the conversation with Dr. Lynn Trapp and Dr. Jennifer Pascuale, "The Hymns Every Parish Should Know," in the NPM digital media library. It can be accessed through NPM's website, www.npm.org. NOTE: You must be a member to access the video content. Sign up today!
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 15: "From Ashes to the Living Font"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
Have you voted in the play-in round for Hymn Tune Madness yet? Vote by clicking here!
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
"You Have Anointed Me"
Feb 03, 2018
Show notes
From left to right: Gary daigle, terry donohoo, marty haugen, rory cooney, Fr. michael joncas, and david haas - all OYH podcast alumni!
In this episode, we host our own little composers forum! Matt and Zack speak with Gary Daigle - composer, musician, and producer - about his work with The Dameans. They discuss collaborative song writing, the importance of a broad harmonic vocabulary, and how intentional invitation can change your life. As a bonus, you'll hear from a bevy of previous podcast guests including Rory Cooney, Kate Cuddy, Fr. Fran O'Brien, Tony Alonso, and Marty Haugen. It's a liturgical composers family reunion, and you get a front row seat!
So, please open your hymnal to "You Have Anointed Me."
Episode links
For more information about Gary Daigle and his other compositions, visit his composer page at GIA Publications.
The cover of "You Have Anointed Me" by Brenda Folz can be purchased on iTunes.
You can see photos and videos from the 20th annual Liturgical Composers Forum by visiting our Facebook page.
You can learn more about the One Call Institute by visiting www.onecallinstitute.org. The blog post that Matt mentions can be found here.
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 14: "You Have Anointed Me"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
"Canticle of the Turning"
Jan 08, 2018
Show notes
Group shot! Podcast guests Jaime Cortez, David Haas, Rory Cooney, and Gary Daigle.
Rory Cooney is a not only a gifted composer, he is also a prophetic writer of texts. In this interview, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert speak with Rory about the background of one of his best-loved pieces, "Canticle of the Turning," to learn more about his theological and catechetical treatment of the Magnificat text. They also discuss the use of secular Irish folk melody with special guest, Ian Callanan, who joins the conversation from Ireland.
So, please open your hymnal to "Canticle of the Turning."
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 13: "Canticle of the Turning"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
"Night of Silence"
Dec 16, 2017
Show notes
Dan Kantor's song, "Night of Silence," has been sung and celebrated in churches and concert halls around the world. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert chat with Dan about writing vivid text, creating harmonic structure, and the importance of celebrating Advent. We also learn new words like "Quod Libet," and Matt gets Zack to both play his guitar and sing for our listeners. Special guest appearances made by Rob Strusinski and Rachel Held Evans.
So, please open your hymnal to "Night of Silence."
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 12: "Night of Silence"
Zack Stachowski & Matt Reichert
All content of this podcast is property of Open Your Hymnal or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. For information about the podcast and its use, please contact us.
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