Through interviews with composers, text writers, and more, “Open Your Hymnal” explores the most consequential liturgical music heard in churches around the world.
Fr. Francis Patrick (Fran) O'Brien is the guest for our Thanksgiving episode, and everyone is invited! Fran shares with Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski his approach to text and melody, his musical influences, and what it's like to be both a liturgical composer and a parish pastor. Plus, there are lots of cameo appearances from Lucien Deiss, Alexander Peloquin, Stephen Sondheim, the cast of Hamilton, and (if you wait for it) Doc Severinsen. We'll need to get a bigger table!
So, please open your hymnal to "You Are All We Have."
Episode links
For more information about Fr. Fran O'Brien and his other compositions, visit his composer page at GIA Publications.
The song "Alexander Hamilton" from the musical Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda), "Move On" from the musical Sunday in the Park with George (Stephen Sondheim), and "Johnny's Theme" (Doc Severinsen) can be purchased on iTunes.
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Episode 11: "You Are All We Have"
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.
"Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo"
Nov 13, 2017
Show notes
Jaime Cortez has dedicated a significant portion of his ministry to promoting Hispanic liturgies and bringing cultures together. In this conversation with Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert, Jaime shares the story of the beginnings of his working relationship with Bob Hurd, provides insight into composing bilingual music, and shares some of the intricacies of incorporating musical idioms into his liturgical compositions. This is another "must listen" conversation for anyone involved in a multi-cultural faith community.
So, please open your hymnal to "Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo."
Episode links
For more information about Jaime Cortez and his other compositions, visit his composer page at OCP.
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Episode 10: "Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo"
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.
"Open My Eyes"
Oct 23, 2017
Show notes
Jesse Manibusan wears many titles: "Ambassador of Joy," "Catholic Ninja," "Itinerant Witness," and more. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert chat with Jesse about his journey to liturgical music, his work with - and advocacy for - young people in the Church, his experience with depression, and how he finds ways to radiate joy. If you work in ministry or work with young people, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.
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Episode 09: "Open My Eyes"
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.
"What You Have Done for Me"
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Tony Alonso is one of the most prominent voices in contemporary liturgical music. In this conversation, Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski discuss with him the beginnings of his career, how he has developed his own compositional voice, the lessons he's learned, and the critical role of mentorship.
So, please open your hymnal to "What You Have Done for Me."
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Episode 08: "What You Have Done for Me" (Alonso)
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.
"Here I Am, Lord"
Sep 07, 2017
Show notes
What's the biggest challenge when interviewing Dan Schutte? Deciding which song to discuss. Join Matt Reichert and Zack Stachowski as they speak with Dan about one of his most ubiquitous compositions, "Here I Am, Lord." In addition, they chat about one of the most prolific and consequential group of liturgical music composers: the St. Louis Jesuits. You'll learn about the group's beginnings, the impact of their Ignatian formation, their impact on the broader culture of the English-speaking Church, and more. Plus, you'll hear about a special college residence hall where the residents are the biggest fans of Dan's music that you'll ever meet!
NOTE: We had some sound difficulty with this episode, as one of our conversation tracks was corrupted. We still think it sounds pretty good, but we're sorry for the inconvenience!
You can learn more about the work of the St. Louis Jesuits by visiting their composer page at OCP. We used two songs from other members of the group in this episode, and you can purchase them on the OCP site: "One Bread, One Body" (John Foley), "Be Not Afraid" (Bob Dufford).
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Episode 07: "Here I Am, Lord" (Schutte)
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.
"Hail Mary: Gentle Woman"
Aug 17, 2017
Show notes
Voting is now open for the Open Your Hymnal Hymn Tune Madness! Vote for the play-in round by clicking HERE!
There are numerous Marian hymns and songs in each Catholic hymnal. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert discuss one of the best-loved and most-cherished, "Hail Mary: Gentle Woman". In conversation with the song's composer, Carey Landry, Zack and Matt discuss the imagery used to describe Mary, the surprising lack of congregational songs that incorporate the "Hail Mary" text, and the catechetical impact of Carey's music. Plus, Carey shares (and sings!) about his important ministry as a hospital chaplain.
So, please open your hymnal to "Hail Mary: Gentle Woman."
Episode links
For more information about Carey Landry and his other compositions, visit his composer page at OCP.
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.
Voting is now open for the Open Your Hymnal Hymn Tune Madness! Vote for the play-in round by clicking HERE!
"Pan de Vida"
Jul 27, 2017
Show notes
The need for bilingual liturgical music - and, in some places, trilingual or quadrilingual music - is widespread in the United States. In this episode, Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert interview composer Bob Hurd about his song "Pan de Vida," one of the earliest and best-loved examples of purpose-built bilingual liturgical music. Bob discusses what influences his music, how he relies on scripture for his texts, and the best ways we can bring unity to a world and a Church that is increasingly divided. This is a great conversation for anyone who ministers in a multi-cultural setting.
So, please open your hymnal to "Pan de Vida."
Episode links
For more information about Bob Hurd and his other compositions, visit his composer page at OCP.
Don't forget to "subscribe" so you'll never miss an episode!
Episode 05: "Pan de Vida" (Hurd)
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.
"May the Road Rise to Meet You"
Jun 15, 2017
Show notes
The text of the traditional "Irish blessing" is well-known and well-loved by generations of Christians from across the cultural spectrum. In this episode, composer Lori True speaks with Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert about her setting of the text in the song "May the Road Rise to Meet You." Lori shares her experience crafting melody, setting blessings, and serving the Church as a female composer of liturgical music. Plus, there is a cameo appearance by Queen Elizabeth II!
So, please open your hymnal to "May the Road Rise to Meet You."
Episode links
For more information about Lori True and her other compositions, visit her composer page at GIA Publications.
You can purchase a copy of the song score and a copy of the original song recording from GIA Publications. While there, you can also purchase copies of Lori's other songs that were referenced in this episode : "I Cry to You", "Let This Be the Time," God Give Us Peace That Lasts," "May the Peace of Christ Be With You (Japanese Blessing)," and "Go Now in Peace."
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Episode 03: "May the Road Rise to Meet You"
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 this podcast and its use, please contact us.
Special Feature: "Pilgrims and Companions" and "The Liturgical Ensemble"
Jun 08, 2017
Show notes
In our most recent episode, Zack and Matt spoke to composer Marty Haugen about the song “All Are Welcome." In this rich conversation, Marty shared many thoughts about the importance of congregational song, how he writes and arranges his music with parish musicians in mind, and the ways that faith communities can and should address current issues through the lens of the Gospel. These are important considerations for anyone involved in parish ministry. But, getting started can be difficult without the right resources. During our conversation, Marty shared with us two projects that he is working on that can help.
You can find out more about Marty's compositions, articles, books, and other publications at his website, www.martyhaugen.com.
Episode 02b: "Pilgrims and Companions" and "The Liturgical Ensemble" (Haugen)
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 this podcast and its use, please contact us.
"All Are Welcome"
May 24, 2017
Show notes
To say that some people have strong feelings about the song "All Are Welcome" may be an understatement. While it has detractors it is also beloved by many, and when it is used in parishes the congregation sings. In this episode, composer Marty Haugen speaks with Zack Stachowski and Matt Reichert about "All Are Welcome" and, in doing so, shares his approach to composition, his philosophy of congregational singing, and his response to those who feel that liturgical songs are becoming too "political." Plus, listeners hear about Marty's original plans for the melody, and a unique congregation in San Francisco where the music ministry utilizes no instrumentation.
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Episode 02: "All Are Welcome"
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 this podcast and its use, please contact us.
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