April 11, 2008    I finish an actual "Te Deum Laudamus." with lyrics from the fourth century furnished by Fr. John Matusiak, OCA. It's one of the most beautiful prayers, but long at 5 Min : 21 Sec, it gets some variaty by setting it in counterpoint with the Cantus Firmus shifting between the S, A, T, & B for each verse.

March 16, 2008    I expanded my "Prayer For Peace" bt asking for protection for the people that helped us in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that we elect leaders that will help us become a better prople and lead us in the path of peace.  

March 4, 2008      I admit that when I started writing music for "Holy God We Praise Thy Name," I thought it was the "Te Deum Laudamus."  It turned out to be a paraphrase of it...Written in German in 1774 by Fr. Ig­naz Franz, and translated into English by Fr. Clarence Alphonse Walworth. (1820-1900)  Though not literal, it preserves much of the spirit and force of the original...and it really lends itself to music. It's done here n counterpoint with the Cantus Firmus shifting between the S, A, T, & B.

Februrary 19, 2008    "Only Begotten Soa," also known as "Only Begotten Son and Word of God," was suggested by Father John Matusiak, OCA who sent me the lyrics by Emperor Justinian I, It is my first real try at writing in eight-part choral harmony. (Except for the last verse of "Recieve The Body of Christ," the Communion Offertory of "Every Tribe & Tongud." While looking at that, I changed to String Ensemble 2 and added MIDI Pan...Same notes but better sound.) I'd love to hear either sung by a choir that has the horsepower. If you do it, please send me a recording to use oon this site.

January 25, 2008      "The Cherubic Hymn" is another in my series of ancient hymns and texts set to modern music which may be more accessable to modern choirs.

January 8, 2008    "Lamb of God"    I had intended to write a song of praise to Almighty God, but found myself led into "The Agnus Dei," so I used what I had written as an introduction to the "Lamb of God" from "Every Tribe & Tongue, a Cantata on Communion" © 1980 & 2007. I stuck with the melody but revised it using triplets as in my introduction. See "Every Tribe & Tongues" for "Lamb of God" with Harp or Guitar accompaniment.

November 9, 2007   Looking at "O Gladsome Light" has caused me to, once again, revise the opening.

October 31, 2007   "Hymn to The Holy Trinity." is thought to be the oldest written Christian Hymn. Thanks to Google, I now believe it to be from the Oxyrhynchus Papyri found in Egypt. I have written new music and freely adapted the lyrics from the M.L.West translation in "Ancient Greek Music."

October 9. 2007     On my 81st birthday I am adding “Agios O Theos.” (O Holy God) I am drawn  to the ancient hymns and texts, and enjoy setting them to new music. I have also added pages, pictures, and some updates. It's unseen, but I have also worked on Keywords and validating the html source code. Notice the "W3c Validated" tag at the bottom of each page.

Help me make this a better site by using some of my music in your church, and sending me recordings I can use here.

September 6, 2007   I am just finishing a change in “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23) which is number 7 in “Every Tribe & Tongue, a Communion Cantata.”

When I wrote it as part of “A Mass For All Christians” © 1980, I used the words from the “Grail Psalter” with the permission of G.I.A. Publications, Inc who managed the Copyright for The Ladies of The Grail, England. The Grail Psalms are written to the same rhythm as the original Hebrew, so they are easy to sing because the Psalms were written to be sung.

When I wanted to put this on my web site, G.I.A. was helpful, but unable to give permission. So, I looked into a number of other versions of Psalm 23 without finding one that fit my music. The RSV came the closest and has generous permission policies. http://www.ncccusa.org/newbtu/permiss.html I freely adapted it to fit the rhythms I wanted to use. I still had to write new music for all but the first line. I also revised the antiphon scheme between Leader and SATB. (All:) Now I have included on my site a brand new “The Lord is my Shepherd.” I think “The Grail Psalter” still has the best words, but C’est la vie. You can see my score and hear it as MP3 at Every Tribe & Tongue.   Here are my lyrics:

Leader:
    All:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
    He makes me lie in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters;
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness,
    for His name’s sake.
Though I may walk in the valley of darkness,  
    I fear no evil; for You are with me;
Your mighty rod, and Your staff,
    they comfort me.
You have prepared here a table before me,
    in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil,
    my cup is overflowing.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
    all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD,
    for ever and ever.

………The Gloria Patri.………

Glory be unto Thee Father,
and to Thy Son and to Thy Holy Spirit.
    It was, it is, and ever shall be,
    world without end, Amen!