Cantors Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett discuss the state of the field in English-language Byzantine chant, exploring where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.
Book Preview - Byzantine Chant, The Received Tradition: A Conversation with John Michael Boyer
Amy and Richard welcome back John Michael Boyer to talk about his new textbook for Byzantine music aimed specifically at English language readers. They have a conversation about the book's beginnings, John's nearly two decades long writing process, what it offers cantors, and how the chant landscape has changed in North America since he first had the idea for the book.
Show notes:
John Michael Boyer, Saint John Koukouzelis Institute of Liturgical Arts, koukouzelis.net
Byzantine Chant: The Received Tradition - A Lesson Book, ByzChantLessonBook.com
Book launch at Maliotis Cultural Center, https://maliotis.hchc.edu/index.php/event/byzantine-chant-the-received-tradition-with-john-michael-boyer/
Cappella Romana Publishing, cappellaromana.org
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, New Orleans, LA, holytrinitycathedral.org
2/3/2023 • 0
Book Preview - Byzantine Chant, The Received Tradition: A Conversation with John Michael Boyer
Amy and Richard welcome back John Michael Boyer to talk about his new textbook for Byzantine music aimed specifically at English language readers. They have a conversation about the book's beginnings, John's nearly two decades long writing process, what it offers cantors, and how the chant landscape has changed in North America since he first had the idea for the book.
Show notes:
John Michael Boyer, Saint John Koukouzelis Institute of Liturgical Arts
Byzantine Chant: The Received Tradition - A Lesson Book
Book launch at Maliotis Cultural Center
Cappella Romana Publishing
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, New Orleans, LA
2/3/2023 • 49 minutes, 27 seconds
A Conversation with Demetrios Katsiklis of St. Nicholas Shrine, Ground Zero
Demetrios Katsiklis is the newly-appointed Master Chanter of the newly-reopened St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero. In this episode he talks to Amy and Richard about his upbringing in Greece, his chanting education, the challenges and opportunities of daily worship at one of the most visible Orthodox churches in the United States, and the intentionality of establishing St. Nicholas as a bilingual (Greek/English) worshipping community.
12/2/2022 • 0
A Conversation with Demetrios Katsiklis of St. Nicholas Shrine, Ground Zero
Demetrios Katsiklis is the newly-appointed Master Chanter of the newly-reopened St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero. In this episode he talks to Amy and Richard about his upbringing in Greece, his chanting education, the challenges and opportunities of daily worship at one of the most visible Orthodox churches in the United States, and the intentionality of establishing St. Nicholas as a bilingual (Greek/English) worshipping community.
12/2/2022 • 53 minutes, 6 seconds
Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation - Byzantine-Informed Choral Composition
Amy and Richard chat with the composers of Heaven and Earth, Cappella Romana's latest CD release, about the influence of Byzantine chant on this unique collaborative work.
Heaven and Earth by Cappella Romana, recording release, October 14 2022
Heaven and Earth, concerts in Seattle and Portland, October 14-16 2022
Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation performing edition, complete and individual movements, Musica Russica
Background on Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation
CERN’s Higgs boson discovery
Archimandrite +Ephrem (Lash)
- Fr. Ephrem’s translation of Ps103, from draft to final
Tikey Zes
- The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom CD release
- Tikey Zes: Choral Works CD release
+Richard Toensing
- Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ with new Orthodox Christmas Carols CD release
Kurt Sander
- The Divine Liturgy CD release
Alexander Khalil
- The Science Network interview
John Michael Boyer
- The Divine Liturgy in English CD release
Matthew Arndt
- Interview with Society of St. Romanos the Melodist
10/10/2022 • 0
Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation - Byzantine-Informed Choral Composition
Amy and Richard chat with the composers of Heaven and Earth, Cappella Romana's latest CD release, about the influence of Byzantine chant on this unique collaborative work.
Heaven and Earth by Cappella Romana, recording release, October 14 2022
Heaven and Earth, concerts in Seattle and Portland, October 14-16 2022
Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation performing edition, complete and individual movements, Musica Russica
Background on Heaven and Earth: A Song of Creation
CERN’s Higgs boson discovery
Archimandrite +Ephrem (Lash)
- Fr. Ephrem’s translation of Ps103, from draft to final
Tikey Zes
- The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom CD release
- Tikey Zes: Choral Works CD release
+Richard Toensing
- Kontakion on the Nativity of Christ with new Orthodox Christmas Carols CD release
Kurt Sander
- The Divine Liturgy CD release
Alexander Khalil
- The Science Network interview
John Michael Boyer
- The Divine Liturgy in English CD release
Matthew Arndt
- Interview with Society of St. Romanos the Melodist
In this episode Amy and Richard discuss the 4th Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes, as well as a scale chart for reference.
4th Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Byzantine notation, by Papa Ephraim
4th Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Western notation, by Papa Ephraim
Parallagi Recording, Amy Hogg
Melos Recording, Amy Hogg
Parallagi Recording, Richard Barrett
Melos Recording, Richard Barrett
Scales Chart (B & W): https://trisagion-school.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2021/01/Trisagion-School-Scale-Chart-B-and-W.pdf
Scales Chart (Color): https://trisagion-school.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2021/01/Trisagion-School-Scale-Chart-Color.pdf
Recordings of the 4th Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion in Greek:
The Choir of Theodore Vasilikos
Thrasyvoulos Stanitsas
Pan Hellenic League of Sacred Cantors
In this episode Amy and Richard discuss the 4th Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes, as well as a scale chart for reference.
4th Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Byzantine notation, by Papa Ephraim
4th Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Western notation, by Papa Ephraim
Parallagi Recording, Amy Hogg
Melos Recording, Amy Hogg
Parallagi Recording, Richard Barrett
Melos Recording, Richard Barrett
Scales Chart (B & W): https://trisagion-school.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2021/01/Trisagion-School-Scale-Chart-B-and-W.pdf
Scales Chart (Color): https://trisagion-school.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2021/01/Trisagion-School-Scale-Chart-Color.pdf
Recordings of the 4th Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion in Greek:
The Choir of Theodore Vasilikos
Thrasyvoulos Stanitsas
Pan Hellenic League of Sacred Cantors
8/25/2022 • 0
“Eve's Daughter Mary Has Opened Your Mouth”: A Conversation With Susan Ashbrook Harvey
Amy and Richard talk to Brown University’s Susan Ashbrook Harvey about her work, including liturgical aesthetics in late antiquity, and how St. Ephraim the Syrian’s choirs of women in fourth century Edessa might be helpful models for us today.
Show Notes:
Extract from Jacob of Serug’s Homily on St. Ephraim the Syrian [Hyperlink to the pdf which is attached to the email]
More of Susan Ashbrook Harvey’s Work:
Music as Liturgy: Models from Ancient Syriac Christianity:
ISOCM Presentation
ISOCM Publication
Performance as Exegesis: Women’s Liturgical Choirs in Syriac Tradition
On Mary’s Voice: Gendered Words in Syriac Marian Tradition
Singing Women’s Stories in Syriac Tradition
Revisiting the Daughters of the Covenant: Women’s Choirs and Sacred Song in Ancient Syriac Christianity
Modern Syrian Women’s Choirs:
Syriac Choir of Nouri Iskandar, Aleppo
Choir of St. Petrus, Stockholm
Syriac Music Institute
8/12/2022 • 0
“Eve’s Daughter Mary Has Opened Your Mouth”: A Conversation With Susan Ashbrook Harvey
Amy and Richard talk to Brown University’s Susan Ashbrook Harvey about her work, including liturgical aesthetics in late antiquity, and how St. Ephraim the Syrian’s choirs of women in fourth century Edessa might be helpful models for us today.
Show Notes:
Extract from Jacob of Serug’s Homily on St. Ephraim the Syrian [Hyperlink to the pdf which is attached to the email]
More of Susan Ashbrook Harvey’s Work:
Music as Liturgy: Models from Ancient Syriac Christianity:
ISOCM Presentation
ISOCM Publication
Performance as Exegesis: Women’s Liturgical Choirs in Syriac Tradition
On Mary’s Voice: Gendered Words in Syriac Marian Tradition
Singing Women’s Stories in Syriac Tradition
Revisiting the Daughters of the Covenant: Women’s Choirs and Sacred Song in Ancient Syriac Christianity
Modern Syrian Women’s Choirs:
Syriac Choir of Nouri Iskandar, Aleppo
Choir of St. Petrus, Stockholm
Syriac Music Institute
In this episode Amy and Richard discuss the 3rd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes, as well as a scale chart for reference.
3rd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion - Looped Recording
3rd Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Byzantine notation, by Papa Ephraim
3rd Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Western notation, by Papa Ephraim
Scales Chart (B & W)
Scales Chart (Color)
In this episode Amy and Richard discuss the 3rd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes, as well as a scale chart for reference.
3rd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion - Looped Recording
3rd Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Byzantine notation, by Papa Ephraim
3rd Mode Resurrection Apolytikion in Western notation, by Papa Ephraim
Scales Chart (B & W)
Scales Chart (Color)
7/8/2022 • 0
Tips to Overcome Chanting Nerves
Richard and Amy discuss some of the spiritual, mental, and physical disciplines that they have found helpful in overcoming chanting related nervousness and anxiety. Amy explains what happens in the voice box during strong emotions, why this can negatively impact our ability to chant, and then models some exercises showing how to identify and learn to control the muscles involved.
4/29/2022 • 46 minutes, 11 seconds
Tips to Overcome Chanting Nerves
Richard and Amy discuss some of the spiritual, mental, and physical disciplines that they have found helpful in overcoming chanting related nervousness and anxiety. Amy explains what happens in the voice box during strong emotions, why this can negatively impact our ability to chant, and then models some exercises showing how to identify and learn to control the muscles involved.
4/28/2022 • 0
The All-Night Vigil for Saint Richard of Wessex: Orthodox Creativity in Modern English for an Old En
This year, Richard chanted nameday services for his patron, Saint Richard of Wessex (7 February) for the very first time. In this episode, he tells the story of how all of that came to be, what it has to do with Byzantine chant in English, and how it brought together many people who have been on the show over the years.
Livestream video of the service at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Somerville, MA
Apolytikion
Samuel Herron’s Doxastikon
Service order
Byz scores
Staff scores
Icon by Brian Matthew Whirledge
4/4/2022 • 0
The All-Night Vigil for Saint Richard of Wessex: Orthodox Creativity in Modern English for an Old En
This year, Richard chanted nameday services for his patron, Saint Richard of Wessex (7 February) for the very first time. In this episode, he tells the story of how all of that came to be, what it has to do with Byzantine chant in English, and how it brought together many people who have been on the show over the years.
Livestream video of the service at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Somerville, MA
Apolytikion
Samuel Herron’s Doxastikon
Service order
Byz scores
Staff scores
Icon by Brian Matthew Whirledge
4/1/2022 • 41 minutes, 3 seconds
Amy and Richard’s Absence Excuse Note
Richard and Amy tell us what they have been up to the last few months during their podcasting absence. Both have started new positions, Richard as Director of Publications, Grants, and Operations for Cappella Romana and Amy as the Protopsaltria as St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh.
3/11/2022 • 31 minutes, 40 seconds
Amy and Richard's Absence Excuse Note
Richard and Amy tell us what they have been up to the last few months during their podcasting absence. Both have started new positions, Richard as Director of Publications, Grants, and Operations for Cappella Romana and Amy as the Protopsaltria as St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh.
Richard and Amy focus on the 2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion in this episode, discussing the mode's structural notes and scale. They talk about common pitfalls of the Soft Chromatic scale and give tips on tuning. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes.
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Father Seraphim Dedes)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (John Michael Boyer)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
Richard and Amy focus on the 2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion in this episode, discussing the mode's structural notes and scale. They talk about common pitfalls of the Soft Chromatic scale and give tips on tuning. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on paralaggi and melos in the show notes.
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Father Seraphim Dedes)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (John Michael Boyer)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
2nd Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
2/17/2022 • 0
Paralaggi Practice: Resurrectional Apolytikion, Mode I, Part 2
In these two episodes Richard and Amy work through the 1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion, discussing the mode's structural notes, scale, common intervals, and attractions. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on parallagi and melos (set from Pa equal to both A and D) in the show notes. Part 2 of 2
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion (Father Seraphim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion (John Michael Boyer)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
10/29/2021 • 17 minutes, 33 seconds
Paralaggi Practice: Resurrectional Apolytikion, Mode I, Part 2
In these two episodes Richard and Amy work through the 1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion, discussing the mode's structural notes, scale, common intervals, and attractions. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on parallagi and melos (set from Pa equal to both A and D) in the show notes. Part 2 of 2
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion (Father Seraphim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion (John Michael Boyer)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
10/28/2021 • 0
Paralaggi Practice: Resurrectional Apolytikion, Mode I, Part I
In these two episodes Richard and Amy work through the 1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion, discussing the mode's structural notes, scale, common intervals, and attractions. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on parallagi and melos (set from Pa equal to both A and D) in the show notes. Part 1 of 2
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
10/25/2021 • 0
Paralaggi Practice: Resurrectional Apolytikion, Mode I, Part I
In these two episodes Richard and Amy work through the 1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion, discussing the mode's structural notes, scale, common intervals, and attractions. You can find the score and recordings of the hymn on parallagi and melos (set from Pa equal to both A and D) in the show notes. Part 1 of 2
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion Score (Papa Ephraim)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Richard)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Paralaggi (Amy)
1st Mode Resurrectional Apolytikion: Melos (Amy)
10/22/2021 • 18 minutes, 24 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 3
Amy and Richard conclude their conversation with Chadi Karam. In this segment Chadi discusses more of the chanting context for Orthodox in Lebanon, including the participation of women, the legacy of Mitri El Murr, and the composers and cantors active today. Part 3 of 3.
8/20/2021 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 3
Amy and Richard conclude their conversation with Chadi Karam. In this segment Chadi discusses more of the chanting context for Orthodox in Lebanon, including the participation of women, the legacy of Mitri El Murr, and the composers and cantors active today. Part 3 of 3.
8/20/2021 • 18 minutes, 16 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 2
Richard and Amy continue their conversation with Chadi Karam. In this segment Chadi explains his composition process, shares some projects he is working on, and talks about some of the hurdles involved when composing in English. Part 2 of 3.
7/30/2021 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 2
Richard and Amy continue their conversation with Chadi Karam. In this segment Chadi explains his composition process, shares some projects he is working on, and talks about some of the hurdles involved when composing in English. Part 2 of 3.
7/30/2021 • 20 minutes, 49 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to composer and cantor Chadi Karam about his composition efforts for the Antiochian Archdiocese and his own grounding and education in the Arabic-language chant world. Part 1 of 3.
7/16/2021 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Chadi Karam, Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to composer and cantor Chadi Karam about his composition efforts for the Antiochian Archdiocese and his own grounding and education in the Arabic-language chant world. Part 1 of 3.
7/16/2021 • 25 minutes, 17 seconds
A Conversation with Photini Downie Robinson, Part 2
Photini Downie Robinson is the left cantor on staff at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, OR, a professional singer with Cappella Romana, and the teacher behind the Yphos Voice Studio. In the second of a two-part conversation, Amy, Richard, and Photini continue to discuss her journey with the tradition of the Psaltic Art, as well as hear about a number of upcoming efforts.
Cappella Romana's Hymn of Kassiani Project: Click here
Listen to the panel discussion "Women in Sacred Chant: Past and Present." Click here
Photini's Voice Studio: Yphos Voice Studio: Click here
6/4/2021 • 32 minutes, 33 seconds
A Conversation with Photini Downie Robinson, Part 2
Photini Downie Robinson is the left cantor on staff at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, OR, a professional singer with Cappella Romana, and the teacher behind the Yphos Voice Studio. In the second of a two-part conversation, Amy, Richard, and Photini continue to discuss her journey with the tradition of the Psaltic Art, as well as hear about a number of upcoming efforts.
Cappella Romana's Hymn of Kassiani Project: Click here
Listen to the panel discussion "Women in Sacred Chant: Past and Present." Click here
Photini's Voice Studio: Yphos Voice Studio: Click here
6/3/2021 • 0
A Conversation with Photini Downie Robinson, Part I
Photini Downie Robinson is the left cantor on staff at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, OR, a professional singer with Cappella Romana, and the teacher behind the Yphos Voice Studio. In the first of a two-part conversation, Amy and Richard talk to Photini about her experience learning Byzantine music through professional music making, her own discoveries about how chant works in womens' voices, and her reflections on the repertoire as a voice teacher.
Cappella Romana's Lost Voices of Hagia Sophia project: Click here
Photini's Voice Studio: Yphos Voice Studio: Click here
6/3/2021 • 0
A Conversation with Photini Downie Robinson, Part I
Photini Downie Robinson is the left cantor on staff at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland, OR, a professional singer with Cappella Romana, and the teacher behind the Yphos Voice Studio. In the first of a two-part conversation, Amy and Richard talk to Photini about her experience learning Byzantine music through professional music making, her own discoveries about how chant works in womens' voices, and her reflections on the repertoire as a voice teacher.
Cappella Romana's Lost Voices of Hagia Sophia project: Click here
Photini's Voice Studio: Yphos Voice Studio: Click here
5/28/2021 • 33 minutes, 40 seconds
An In-Depth Look at the Hymn of Kassiani, Part 2
The Hymn of Kassiani is one of the highlights of Holy Week! Amy and Richard take a deep dive into the tradition of long settings of this hymn, with composer and cantor Samuel Herron of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ leading an in-depth walkthrough of his 20 minute English-language setting. The score can be found here, and the recording can be found here. You can find the Dynamis Ensemble's album "A Journey Through Lent to Holy Week" at https://www.dynamisensemble.org/ Part 2 of 2.
4/23/2021 • 0
An In-Depth Look at the Hymn of Kassiani, Part 2
The Hymn of Kassiani is one of the highlights of Holy Week! Amy and Richard take a deep dive into the tradition of long settings of this hymn, with composer and cantor Samuel Herron of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ leading an in-depth walkthrough of his 20 minute English-language setting. The score can be found here, and the recording can be found here. You can find the Dynamis Ensemble's album "A Journey Through Lent to Holy Week" at https://www.dynamisensemble.org/ Part 2 of 2.
4/23/2021 • 44 minutes, 12 seconds
An In-Depth Look at the Hymn of Kassiani, Part 1
The Hymn of Kassiani is one of the highlights of Holy Week! Amy and Richard take a deep dive into the tradition of long settings of this hymn, with composer and cantor Samuel Herron of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ leading an in-depth walkthrough of his 20 minute English-language setting. The score can be found here, and the recording can be found here. Part 1 of 2.
4/23/2021 • 0
An In-Depth Look at the Hymn of Kassiani, Part 1
The Hymn of Kassiani is one of the highlights of Holy Week! Amy and Richard take a deep dive into the tradition of long settings of this hymn, with composer and cantor Samuel Herron of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ leading an in-depth walkthrough of his 20 minute English-language setting. The score can be found here, and the recording can be found here. Part 1 of 2.
4/16/2021 • 42 minutes, 12 seconds
A Conversation with Fr. John El Massih, Part 3
Amy and Richard conclude their conversation with Fr. John El Massih, who discusses some of the current efforts of the Antiochian Archdiocese around Byzantine music, reflects on the history of Byzantine music in the Antiochian Archdiocese, and offers thoughts on practical matters such as tuning.
3/5/2021 • 35 minutes, 47 seconds
A Conversation with Fr. John El Massih, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue their conversation with Fr. John El Massih, who talks about his contribution to the groundbreaking “All Creation Trembled” recording by the St. Romanos Choir, his time at Hellenic College Holy Cross, his perspective on “free chanting”, and more.
2/19/2021 • 35 minutes, 39 seconds
A Conversation with Fr. John El Massih, Part 3
Amy and Richard conclude their conversation with Fr. John El Massih, who discusses some of the current efforts of the Antiochian Archdiocese around Byzantine music, reflects on the history of Byzantine music in the Antiochian Archdiocese, and offers thoughts on practical matters such as tuning.
2/17/2021 • 0
A Conversation with Fr. John El Massih, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue their conversation with Fr. John El Massih, who talks about his contribution to the groundbreaking “All Creation Trembled” recording by the St. Romanos Choir, his time at Hellenic College Holy Cross, his perspective on “free chanting”, and more.
2/17/2021 • 0
A Conversation With Fr. John El Massih, Part 1
Fr. John El Massih is a priest, cantor, teacher, composer, and advocate of Byzantine music in the Antiochian Archdiocese and beyond. Amy and Richard talk to him about his background and education, his contributions to multiple high-level efforts to pass along the chant tradition in America, including recordings like PROTO's "Sun of Justice", and his current work with the Byzantine Chant Committee of the Antiochian Archdiocese's Department of Sacred Music.
2/5/2021 • 0
A Conversation With Fr. John El Massih, Part 1
Fr. John El Massih is a priest, cantor, teacher, composer, and advocate of Byzantine music in the Antiochian Archdiocese and beyond. Amy and Richard talk to him about his background and education, his contributions to multiple high-level efforts to pass along the chant tradition in America, including recordings like PROTO's "Sun of Justice", and his current work with the Byzantine Chant Committee of the Antiochian Archdiocese's Department of Sacred Music.
2/5/2021 • 32 minutes, 18 seconds
Recording Spotlight: The Divine Liturgy in English by Cappella Romana, 12 Years Later (Part 2)
Amy and Richard talk with Cappella Romana Musical Director Alexander Lingas and Associate Director John Michael Boyer about the genesis and legacy of The Divine Liturgy in English, Cappella Romana’s groundbreaking recording first released in 2008, and recently re-released on the Naxos label. Alexander and John discuss the intent to represent the core of the Byzantine chant tradition, employing an Anaphora/Leitourgika setting in Kliton (the "reader's mode") and papadic compositions that reflect the styles used in settings by Petros Peloponnesios and ascribed to St. John Koukouzelis. This recording was also the first, and to this point only, recording to include all the parts of the Divine Liturgy. (Part 2 of 2)
The Divine Liturgy Recording (CD or digital download):
https://cappellaromana.org/product/divine-liturgy-english/
Scores from the project:
https://cappellaromana.org/divine-liturgy-music/
1/8/2021 • 0
Recording Spotlight: The Divine Liturgy in English by Cappella Romana, 12 Years Later (Part 2)
Amy and Richard talk with Cappella Romana Musical Director Alexander Lingas and Associate Director John Michael Boyer about the genesis and legacy of The Divine Liturgy in English, Cappella Romana’s groundbreaking recording first released in 2008, and recently re-released on the Naxos label. Alexander and John discuss the intent to represent the core of the Byzantine chant tradition, employing an Anaphora/Leitourgika setting in Kliton (the "reader's mode") and papadic compositions that reflect the styles used in settings by Petros Peloponnesios and ascribed to St. John Koukouzelis. This recording was also the first, and to this point only, recording to include all the parts of the Divine Liturgy. (Part 2 of 2)
The Divine Liturgy Recording (CD or digital download):
https://cappellaromana.org/product/divine-liturgy-english/
Scores from the project:
https://cappellaromana.org/divine-liturgy-music/
1/8/2021 • 34 minutes, 21 seconds
Recording Spotlight: The Divine Liturgy in English by Cappella Romana, 12 Years Later (Part 1)
Amy and Richard talk with Cappella Romana Musical Director Alexander Lingas and Associate Director John Michael Boyer about the genesis and legacy of The Divine Liturgy in English, Cappella Romana’s groundbreaking recording first released in 2008, and recently re-released on the Naxos label. Alexander and John discuss the intent to represent the core of the Byzantine chant tradition, employing an Anaphora/Leitourgika setting in Kliton (the "reader's mode") and papadic compositions that reflect the styles used in settings by Petros Peloponnesios and ascribed to St. John Koukouzelis. This recording was also the first, and to this point only, recording to include all the parts of the Divine Liturgy.
12/11/2020 • 36 minutes, 27 seconds
Recording Spotlight: The Divine Liturgy in English by Cappella Romana, 12 Years Later (Part 1)
Amy and Richard talk with Cappella Romana Musical Director Alexander Lingas and Associate Director John Michael Boyer about the genesis and legacy of The Divine Liturgy in English, Cappella Romana’s groundbreaking recording first released in 2008, and recently re-released on the Naxos label. Alexander and John discuss the intent to represent the core of the Byzantine chant tradition, employing an Anaphora/Leitourgika setting in Kliton (the "reader's mode") and papadic compositions that reflect the styles used in settings by Petros Peloponnesios and ascribed to St. John Koukouzelis. This recording was also the first, and to this point only, recording to include all the parts of the Divine Liturgy.
12/8/2020 • 0
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 4: Communion to Conclusion
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George finish their conversation about chanting the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part four of a four-part chat.
10/30/2020 • 23 minutes, 16 seconds
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 4: Communion to Conclusion
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George finish their conversation about chanting the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part four of a four-part chat.
10/28/2020 • 0
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 3: The Litany of Completion through the Hymn to the Theotokos
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part three of a four-part chat.
10/16/2020 • 24 minutes, 9 seconds
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 3: The Litany of Completion through the Hymn to the Theotokos
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part three of a four-part chat.
10/15/2020 • 0
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 2: Concerning the Trisagion, and Great and Small Entrances
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part two of a four-part chat.
9/14/2020 • 0
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 2: Concerning the Trisagion, and Great and Small Entrances
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part two of a four-part chat.
9/14/2020 • 35 minutes, 43 seconds
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 1 — Litanies, Antiphons, and Apolytikia
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part one of a four-part chat.
9/9/2020 • 0
Divine Liturgy with Peter George, Part 1 — Litanies, Antiphons, and Apolytikia
Amy, Richard, and guest Peter George talk about the structure of Sunday Divine Liturgy. Part one of a four-part chat.
7/10/2020 • 29 minutes, 21 seconds
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 3
On April 27 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. Part 3 of 3.
7/10/2020 • 0
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 3
On April 27 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. Part 3 of 3.
6/5/2020 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 2
On April 27 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. Part 2 of 3.
5/22/2020 • 43 minutes, 6 seconds
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 2
On April 27 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. Part 2 of 3.
5/22/2020 • 0
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 1
On April 27, 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. (Part 1 of 3)
5/8/2020 • 0
A Fireside Chant Chat, Part 1
On April 27, 2020, A Sacrifice of Praise hosted a live-streamed panel discussion about the teaching and learning of Byzantine music. Our panelists were six teachers, cantors, composers, and students active in the psaltic art: John Michael Boyer, Gabriel Cremeens, Samuel Herron, our co-host Amy Hogg, Ruth Rutledge, and Christina Stavros, the questions were sent in by our listeners, and the panel was moderated by our co-host Richard Barrett. It was a very wide-ranging and provocative discussion, and we present it here. (Part 1 of 3)
5/8/2020 • 39 minutes, 1 second
A Conversation with Master Chanter Georgios Theodoridis, Part 2
Georgios Theodoridis, the Master Chanter of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, is one of the busiest cantors in the United States -- singing services, teaching students, creating scores, making recordings, and putting on concerts. In this interview, he tells Amy and Richard how he came to the psaltic art in Greece, what brought him to America, and talks about several of his current projects. Part 2 of 2.
Praise Him in the Highest on CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/georgiostheodoridis2
Praise Him in the Highest on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Him-Highest-Georgios-Theodoridis/dp/B07PMMQ8GC
3/13/2020 • 31 minutes, 47 seconds
A Conversation with Master Chanter Georgios Theodoridis, Part 2
Georgios Theodoridis, the Master Chanter of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, is one of the busiest cantors in the United States -- singing services, teaching students, creating scores, making recordings, and putting on concerts. In this interview, he tells Amy and Richard how he came to the psaltic art in Greece, what brought him to America, and talks about several of his current projects. Part 2 of 2.
Praise Him in the Highest on CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/georgiostheodoridis2
Praise Him in the Highest on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Praise-Him-Highest-Georgios-Theodoridis/dp/B07PMMQ8GC
3/6/2020 • 0
A Conversation with Master Chanter Georgios Theodoridis, Part 1
Georgios Theodoridis' website: www.georgiostheodoridis.com
Georgios Theodoridis' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxm0WazN3Ap6JWU9MAYDtzw
St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral: https://saintsophiadc.org/
Georgios Theodoridis, the Master Chanter of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, is one of the busiest cantors in the United States -- singing services, teaching students, creating scores, making recordings, and putting on concerts. In this interview, he tells Amy and Richard how he came to the psaltic art in Greece, what brought him to America, and talks about several of his current projects. Part 1 of 2.
3/2/2020 • 0
A Conversation with Master Chanter Georgios Theodoridis, Part 1
Georgios Theodoridis' website: www.georgiostheodoridis.com
Georgios Theodoridis' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxm0WazN3Ap6JWU9MAYDtzw
St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral: https://saintsophiadc.org/
Georgios Theodoridis, the Master Chanter of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, is one of the busiest cantors in the United States -- singing services, teaching students, creating scores, making recordings, and putting on concerts. In this interview, he tells Amy and Richard how he came to the psaltic art in Greece, what brought him to America, and talks about several of his current projects. Part 1 of 2.
2/28/2020 • 32 minutes, 30 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 3
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part three of three.
The Boston Byzantine Choir’s CD featuring compositions by Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis: Twelve Days: Byzantine Chant from Christmas to Epiphany
1/31/2020 • 38 minutes, 56 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 3
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part three of three.
The Boston Byzantine Choir’s CD featuring compositions by Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis: Twelve Days: Byzantine Chant from Christmas to Epiphany
1/31/2020 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 2
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part two of three.
1/18/2020 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 2
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part two of three.
1/18/2020 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part one of three.
1/4/2020 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis - Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to composer, cantor, and teacher Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Dr. Suchy-Pilalis reflects on four decades of pioneering musical service and scholarship, including her recent compositions for the Boston Byzantine Choir's Twelve Days recording for Christmastide. Part one of three.
1/4/2020 • 36 minutes, 15 seconds
Spotlight on Charlie Marge and the Boston Byzantine Choir
Richard and Amy interview Charlie Marge, the founder and director of the Boston Byzantine Choir. The Boston Byzantine Choir recently celebrated their 25th anniversary with a new recording, Twelve Days: Byzantine Chant from Christmas to Epiphany. The just-released CD includes 13 new compositions for the liturgical season of Christmastide composed by Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis.
12/15/2019 • 0
Spotlight on Charlie Marge and the Boston Byzantine Choir
Richard and Amy interview Charlie Marge, the founder and director of the Boston Byzantine Choir. The Boston Byzantine Choir recently celebrated their 25th anniversary with a new recording, Twelve Days: Byzantine Chant from Christmas to Epiphany. The just-released CD includes 13 new compositions for the liturgical season of Christmastide composed by Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis.
12/13/2019 • 29 minutes, 50 seconds
Matins with Peter George, Part 3
Amy and Richard wrap up their conversation about the order of Sunday Matins with Boston cantor Peter George. They pick up where they left off last time with the Praises, continue through the end of the Great Doxology, and offer some closing thoughts.
11/29/2019 • 15 minutes, 29 seconds
Matins with Peter George, Part 3
Amy and Richard wrap up their conversation about the order of Sunday Matins with Boston cantor Peter George. They pick up where they left off last time with the Praises, continue through the end of the Great Doxology, and offer some closing thoughts.
11/27/2019 • 0
Matins with Peter George, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue their conversation about the order of Sunday Matins with cantor Peter George. In part 2 of 3, they pick up where they left off last week with the Evlogitaria and discuss the elements of the service through the Exaposteilaria.
11/15/2019 • 0
Matins with Peter George, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue their conversation about the order of Sunday Matins with cantor Peter George. In part 2 of 3, they pick up where they left off last week with the Evlogitaria and discuss the elements of the service through the Exaposteilaria.
11/15/2019 • 35 minutes, 35 seconds
Matins with Peter George, Part 1 - Psalms, Canons and Canticles
Amy, Richard, and in-studio guest Peter George of St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Boston and the ensemble Psaltikon talk about the structure of Sunday Matins. Part one of a three-part chat.
11/5/2019 • 0
Matins with Peter George, Part 1 - Psalms, Canons and Canticles
Amy, Richard, and in-studio guest Peter George of St. Mark’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Boston and the ensemble Psaltikon talk about the structure of Sunday Matins. Part one of a three-part chat.
11/4/2019 • 22 minutes, 23 seconds
Playing with Parallage 1
In this excerpt from a series of lessons developed for Byzantine Beginnings, Amy Hogg teaches the scale degrees in ascending and descending order without pitch. This helps students develop confidence in their own knowledge of the pitch names as they learn to read Byzantine notation and practice with parallage.
10/18/2019 • 26 minutes, 31 seconds
Playing with Parallage 1
In this excerpt from a series of lessons developed for Byzantine Beginnings, Amy Hogg teaches the scale degrees in ascending and descending order without pitch. This helps students develop confidence in their own knowledge of the pitch names as they learn to read Byzantine notation and practice with parallage.
10/17/2019 • 0
Fr Romanos Vigil Talk: Anatomy of a Vigil, Part 2
Part 2 of 2. Recorded live at Εὐφράνθην! I Was Glad!, a liturgical symposium held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, Michigan on February 1, 2019. The Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos, Assistant Professor of Byzantine Music at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, goes into detail about the celebration of an All-Night Vigil, with specifics about what we do differently that makes a Vigil such a special and festal service.
There were a number of Greek terms that Fr. Romanos used without explaining them.
Tin Timiotera: More Honourable
Dominical feast day: Feasts of the Lord
Theometoric Feast day: Feasts of the Theotokos
Exapsalmos: The 6 Psalms at the beginning of Matins
Ypapandi: Presentation of Christ
Tes Presvies: Throught the intercessions
Koinonikon: Communion Hymn
10/6/2019 • 0
Fr. Romanos Karanos: Anatomy of a Vigil, Part 1
Part 1 of 2. Recorded live at Εὐφράνθην! I Was Glad!, a liturgical symposium held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, Michigan on February 1, 2019. The Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos, Assistant Professor of Byzantine Music at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, explains the what, how, and why of the All-Night Vigil service.
10/6/2019 • 0
Fr Romanos Vigil Talk: Anatomy of a Vigil, Part 2
Part 2 of 2. Recorded live at Εὐφράνθην! I Was Glad!, a liturgical symposium held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, Michigan on February 1, 2019. The Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos, Assistant Professor of Byzantine Music at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, goes into detail about the celebration of an All-Night Vigil, with specifics about what we do differently that makes a Vigil such a special and festal service.
There were a number of Greek terms that Fr. Romanos used without explaining them.
Tin Timiotera: More Honourable
Dominical feast day: Feasts of the Lord
Theometoric Feast day: Feasts of the Theotokos
Exapsalmos: The 6 Psalms at the beginning of Matins
Ypapandi: Presentation of Christ
Tes Presvies: Throught the intercessions
Koinonikon: Communion Hymn
10/6/2019 • 25 minutes, 5 seconds
Fr. Romanos Karanos: Anatomy of a Vigil, Part 1
Part 1 of 2. Recorded live at Εὐφράνθην! I Was Glad!, a liturgical symposium held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, Michigan on February 1, 2019. The Rev. Fr. Dr. Romanos Karanos, Assistant Professor of Byzantine Music at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, explains the what, how, and why of the All-Night Vigil service.
9/13/2019 • 32 minutes, 4 seconds
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 3
This is the third part of Deacon John El Massih’s talk on Vespers from the 2018 Sacred Music Institute. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 22, 2018, as a model to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. This week you’ll hear about the end of vespers and the differences between daily and great vespers.
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
7/12/2019 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 1
In July of 2018, at the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Sacred Music Institute, Deacon John El Massih, the protopsaltis of the Antiochian Archdiocese, gave a presentation on Vespers. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 21st, 2018, as an example to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. In this episode, you will hear Deacon John describe the beginning of Vespers up until O Gladsome Light! Come back next week for the second part of Deacon John's presentation, and then join us again a week after that for the third and final part!
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
The Liturgical Arts Academy, August 18-24, 2019
Space is limited and the registration and payment are due August 1st
7/5/2019 • 0
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 2
This is the second part of Deacon John El Massih’s talk on Vespers from the 2018 Sacred Music Institute. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 22, 2018, as a model to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. In this episode, Deacon John covers Vespers from O Gladsome Light to just before the Apolytikia at the end. Come back next week to hear about the end of vespers and the differences between daily and great vespers.
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
Word that Burn Like a Lamp: a Summer Liturgical Workshop for the Prophet Elias, July 18-20, 2019
The Liturgical Arts Academy, August 18-24, 2019
Space is limited and the registration and payment are due August 1.
7/5/2019 • 0
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 2
This is the second part of Deacon John El Massih’s talk on Vespers from the 2018 Sacred Music Institute. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 22, 2018, as a model to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. In this episode, Deacon John covers Vespers from O Gladsome Light to just before the Apolytikia at the end. Come back next week to hear about the end of vespers and the differences between daily and great vespers.
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
Word that Burn Like a Lamp: a Summer Liturgical Workshop for the Prophet Elias, July 18-20, 2019
The Liturgical Arts Academy, August 18-24, 2019
Space is limited and the registration and payment are due August 1.
7/5/2019 • 21 minutes, 14 seconds
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 3
This is the third part of Deacon John El Massih’s talk on Vespers from the 2018 Sacred Music Institute. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 22, 2018, as a model to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. This week you’ll hear about the end of vespers and the differences between daily and great vespers.
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
7/2/2019 • 0
Deacon John El Massih, SMI Vespers Talk, Part 1
In July of 2018, at the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Sacred Music Institute, Deacon John El Massih, the protopsaltis of the Antiochian Archdiocese, gave a presentation on Vespers. Deacon John used the vespers service of July 21st, 2018, as an example to talk about the parts of the service and the specifics of each hymn. In this episode, you will hear Deacon John describe the beginning of Vespers up until O Gladsome Light! Come back next week for the second part of Deacon John's presentation, and then join us again a week after that for the third and final part!
Liturgical Guide for July 21 Vespers Service
The Liturgical Arts Academy, August 18-24, 2019
Space is limited and the registration and payment are due August 1st
6/28/2019 • 26 minutes, 48 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Gabriel Cremeens, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue talking to composer and cantor Gabriel Cremeens about the exceptional musical situation at his parish, his involvement with projects like the Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble, and what he's planning for the future.
6/5/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Gabriel Cremeens, Part 2
Amy and Richard continue talking to composer and cantor Gabriel Cremeens about the exceptional musical situation at his parish, his involvement with projects like the Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble, and what he's planning for the future.
5/31/2019 • 27 minutes, 47 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Gabriel Cremeens, Part 1
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett talk with Gabriel Cremeens, one of the more prolific of the current generation of cantors and composers working in English. In this episode he shares his beginnings as a composer at Hellenic College, followed by more intensive training in Greece studying composition with master teachers and chanting in churches there, and then landing as the full-time -- yes, full-time! -- protopsaltis of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
5/17/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Gabriel Cremeens, Part 1
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett talk with Gabriel Cremeens, one of the more prolific of the current generation of cantors and composers working in English. In this episode he shares his beginnings as a composer at Hellenic College, followed by more intensive training in Greece studying composition with master teachers and chanting in churches there, and then landing as the full-time -- yes, full-time! -- protopsaltis of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
5/17/2019 • 31 minutes, 9 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Father Seraphim Dedes, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with Fr. Seraphim Dedes. In part 2, Fr. Seraphim discusses how his work and perspective has evolved, and how parish music ministry has had an impact on his approach.
5/3/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Father Seraphim Dedes, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with Fr. Seraphim Dedes. In part 2, Fr. Seraphim discusses how his work and perspective has evolved, and how parish music ministry has had an impact on his approach.
5/3/2019 • 23 minutes, 41 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Father Seraphim Dedes, Pt 1
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett speak with Fr. Seraphim Dedes, a translator of liturgical texts and a composer of English-language Byzantine music. He is also an innovator who has used technology to make liturgical materials accessible to everybody with a phone, and his works are used throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and beyond. In part 1 of Amy and Richard's conversation with Fr. Seraphim, he tells a story that takes him from his beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to Boston, Mount Athos, and then back to the United States where he put his experience to work for the benefit of parish liturgical ministry.
AGES digital chant stand can be found at www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html.
4/22/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Father Seraphim Dedes, Pt 1
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett speak with Fr. Seraphim Dedes, a translator of liturgical texts and a composer of English-language Byzantine music. He is also an innovator who has used technology to make liturgical materials accessible to everybody with a phone, and his works are used throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and beyond. In part 1 of Amy and Richard's conversation with Fr. Seraphim, he tells a story that takes him from his beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to Boston, Mount Athos, and then back to the United States where he put his experience to work for the benefit of parish liturgical ministry.
AGES digital chant stand can be found at www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html.
4/19/2019 • 21 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode 17: Composer Spotlight: John Michael Boyer, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with John Michael Boyer,the Associate Musical Director of Cappella Romana, co-founder (with Fr. Dn. John El Massih) of PRÓTO, and the Protopsaltis of the GO Metropolis of San Francisco. In the second part of our discussion John tells us about some of the exciting projects he has been working on more recently, including his textbook, his most recent recording for Christmas, and he’ll tell us the name he is using for his English language Anastasimatarion, the hymnal that contains all of the Resurrectional chants for Sundays.
Find out more about The Sun of Justice CD, by the Proto Ensemble, at cappellaromana.org/product/sun-of-justice.
4/5/2019 • 34 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 17: Composer Spotlight: John Michael Boyer, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with John Michael Boyer,the Associate Musical Director of Cappella Romana, co-founder (with Fr. Dn. John El Massih) of PRÓTO, and the Protopsaltis of the GO Metropolis of San Francisco. In the second part of our discussion John tells us about some of the exciting projects he has been working on more recently, including his textbook, his most recent recording for Christmas, and he’ll tell us the name he is using for his English language Anastasimatarion, the hymnal that contains all of the Resurrectional chants for Sundays.
Find out more about The Sun of Justice CD, by the Proto Ensemble, at cappellaromana.org/product/sun-of-justice.
3/27/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: John Michael Boyer, Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to John Michael Boyer, the Associate Musical Director of Cappella Romana, and co-founder (with Fr. Dn. John El Massih) of PRÓTO. John is a cantor, composer, and teacher based in Portland, Oregon. In the part 1/2 of our conversation, John talks about his musical background, his introduction to chant, and his involvement in projects like the Cappella Romana Divine Liturgy in English recording, among many others.
You can find the Cappella Romana Divine Liturgy CD here: cappellaromana.org/product/divine-liturgy-english
3/22/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: John Michael Boyer, Part 1
Amy and Richard talk to John Michael Boyer, the Associate Musical Director of Cappella Romana, and co-founder (with Fr. Dn. John El Massih) of PRÓTO. John is a cantor, composer, and teacher based in Portland, Oregon. In the part 1/2 of our conversation, John talks about his musical background, his introduction to chant, and his involvement in projects like the Cappella Romana Divine Liturgy in English recording, among many others.
You can find the Cappella Romana Divine Liturgy CD here: cappellaromana.org/product/divine-liturgy-english
3/22/2019 • 26 minutes, 47 seconds
An Introduction to Vespers
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett offer an introduction to the service of Vespers, discussing its structure, its moving parts, and why it's important to know these things as a cantor.
Show Notes
Antiochian Liturgical Guides: www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
AGES: www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/test/dcs/dcs.html
Bishop Basil’s Typikon Charts and Explanations: www.dowama.org/node/31
Services without a priest: www.dowama.org/content/services-without-priest
Bilingual Violakis Typikon: denver.churchmusic.goarch.org/publications-catalog
Fr. Robert Taft's book: The Byzantine Rite: A Short History (https://www.amazon.com/Byzantine-Rite-History-American-Liturgy/dp/0814621635/ref=sr_1_1 )
The Typikon Decoded: www.amazon.com/s?k=the+typikon+decoded+an+explanation+of+byzantine+liturgical+practice
3/8/2019 • 0
An Introduction to Vespers
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett offer an introduction to the service of Vespers, discussing its structure, its moving parts, and why it's important to know these things as a cantor.
Show Notes
Antiochian Liturgical Guides: www.antiochian.org/liturgicday
AGES: www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/test/dcs/dcs.html
Bishop Basil’s Typikon Charts and Explanations: www.dowama.org/node/31
Services without a priest: www.dowama.org/content/services-without-priest
Bilingual Violakis Typikon: denver.churchmusic.goarch.org/publications-catalog
Fr. Robert Taft's book: The Byzantine Rite: A Short History (https://www.amazon.com/Byzantine-Rite-History-American-Liturgy/dp/0814621635/ref=sr_1_1 )
The Typikon Decoded: www.amazon.com/s?k=the+typikon+decoded+an+explanation+of+byzantine+liturgical+practice
3/8/2019 • 27 minutes, 6 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Nicholas Roumas
Greek-American Nicholas Roumas has the distinction of being the composer of the very first library-quality book of English-language Byzantine chant -- The Musical Ark, published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Amy and Richard talk to Nicholas about the story behind the book, and how he learned to sing and compose Byzantine music at a time when there were few resources for learning how to do so.
Nick's book of compositions can be found here: www.asbm.goarch.org/store/#!/The-Musical-Ark-by-Nicholas-Roumas/p/84996540/category=0
2/22/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Nicholas Roumas
Greek-American Nicholas Roumas has the distinction of being the composer of the very first library-quality book of English-language Byzantine chant -- The Musical Ark, published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Amy and Richard talk to Nicholas about the story behind the book, and how he learned to sing and compose Byzantine music at a time when there were few resources for learning how to do so.
Nick's book of compositions can be found here: www.asbm.goarch.org/store/#!/The-Musical-Ark-by-Nicholas-Roumas/p/84996540/category=0
2/22/2019 • 41 minutes, 6 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Samuel Herron, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with cantor and composer Samuel Herron, who talks more about his experiences chanting throughout the United States in cities like Nashville, Chattanooga, Boston, and Phoenix. He also tells us about his choir, the Dynamis Ensemble, and previews their new all-English recording of Byzantine chant for St. George.
2/8/2019 • 39 minutes, 52 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Samuel Herron, Part 2
Amy Hogg and Richard Barrett continue their conversation with cantor and composer Samuel Herron, who talks more about his experiences chanting throughout the United States in cities like Nashville, Chattanooga, Boston, and Phoenix. He also tells us about his choir, the Dynamis Ensemble, and previews their new all-English recording of Byzantine chant for St. George.
2/7/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Samuel Herron, Part 1
Samuel Herron, protopsaltis of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ and founder and director of the Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble, is one of the new generation of cantors and composers whose work is part of the flourishing of English-language Byzantine music. In this first of a two-part interview, Amy and Richard talk to Sam about his initial exposure to Byzantine music, his experiences studying in Greece, and how he put his experience and education to use once he returned to the United States.
2/1/2019 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Samuel Herron, Part 1
Samuel Herron, protopsaltis of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ and founder and director of the Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble, is one of the new generation of cantors and composers whose work is part of the flourishing of English-language Byzantine music. In this first of a two-part interview, Amy and Richard talk to Sam about his initial exposure to Byzantine music, his experiences studying in Greece, and how he put his experience and education to use once he returned to the United States.
2/1/2019 • 40 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode 10: Parallage: What, Why, & How Much
Solfege is a familiar concept to many of us thanks to the famous song “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music; it’s the practice of “sounding out” a melody by singing pitch names, and it’s one of the oldest and most important musical teaching techniques we have. Byzantine chant has its own version of solfege: paralaggi. Amy and Richard talk about what paralaggi is, how it helps you to learn Byzantine music, and why it’s important for the beginner as well as the experienced cantor to do “paralaggi a hundred times” when learning to sing a new piece.
Recordings of the Resurrectional Hymns in English:
Ages Digital Chant Stand: http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html
Recordings of the Resurrectional Hymns in Greek:
Father Panaretos: https://www.imdleo.gr/diaf/2016/Byz_Panaretos.htm
For recordings of the Anastasimatarion on melos, go to: 5.2.2. MELOS.zip
For recordings of the Anastasimatarion on parallage, go to: 5.2.1. PARALAGH.zip
Score of the 1st Mode Resurrection Hymn used as an example:
in Byzantine notation:
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Vespers/b2160_Apolytikion.pdf
In western notation:
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Vespers/Finale%202003%20-%20%5B2160_Apolytikion%5D.pdf
1/18/2019 • 26 minutes, 53 seconds
Episode 10: Parallage: What, Why, & How Much
Solfege is a familiar concept to many of us thanks to the famous song “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music; it’s the practice of “sounding out” a melody by singing pitch names, and it’s one of the oldest and most important musical teaching techniques we have. Byzantine chant has its own version of solfege: paralaggi. Amy and Richard talk about what paralaggi is, how it helps you to learn Byzantine music, and why it’s important for the beginner as well as the experienced cantor to do “paralaggi a hundred times” when learning to sing a new piece.
Recordings of the Resurrectional Hymns in English:
Ages Digital Chant Stand: http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html
Recordings of the Resurrectional Hymns in Greek:
Father Panaretos: https://www.imdleo.gr/diaf/2016/Byz_Panaretos.htm
For recordings of the Anastasimatarion on melos, go to: 5.2.2. MELOS.zip
For recordings of the Anastasimatarion on parallage, go to: 5.2.1. PARALAGH.zip
Score of the 1st Mode Resurrection Hymn used as an example:
in Byzantine notation:
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Vespers/b2160_Apolytikion.pdf
In western notation:
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/music/Vespers/Finale%202003%20-%20%5B2160_Apolytikion%5D.pdf
1/17/2019 • 0
Psaltic Echoes in the New World, an interview with Alexander Khalil, Part 2
Alexander Khalil is a musician-scholar in whom many worlds come together -- among many other things, he is an ethnomusicologist, neuroscientist, cantor, and multi-talented performer and researcher of musics from China, Japan, and Indonesia. Dr. Khalil's PhD dissertation, "Echoes of Constantinople: Oral and Written Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople" is one of the foundational works of English-language scholarship for understanding the chant practices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Amy and Richard had a wide-ranging conversation with him in which he reflected on several aspects of the development of English-language Byzantine chant. Part 2 of 2.
1/5/2019 • 0
Psaltic Echoes in the New World, an interview with Alexander Khalil, Part 2
Alexander Khalil is a musician-scholar in whom many worlds come together -- among many other things, he is an ethnomusicologist, neuroscientist, cantor, and multi-talented performer and researcher of musics from China, Japan, and Indonesia. Dr. Khalil's PhD dissertation, "Echoes of Constantinople: Oral and Written Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople" is one of the foundational works of English-language scholarship for understanding the chant practices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Amy and Richard had a wide-ranging conversation with him in which he reflected on several aspects of the development of English-language Byzantine chant. Part 2 of 2.
1/4/2019 • 32 minutes, 44 seconds
Psaltic Echoes in the New World, an interview with Alexander Khalil, Part 1
Alexander Khalil is a musician-scholar in whom many worlds come together -- among many other things, he is an ethnomusicologist, neuroscientist, cantor, and multi-talented performer and researcher of musics from China, Japan, and Indonesia. Dr. Khalil's PhD dissertation, "Echoes of Constantinople: Oral and Written Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople" is one of the foundational works of English-language scholarship for understanding the chant practices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Amy and Richard had a wide-ranging conversation with him in which he reflected on several aspects of the development of English-language Byzantine chant. Part 1 of 2.
1/3/2019 • 0
Psaltic Echoes in the New World, an interview with Alexander Khalil, Part 1
Alexander Khalil is a musician-scholar in whom many worlds come together -- among many other things, he is an ethnomusicologist, neuroscientist, cantor, and multi-talented performer and researcher of musics from China, Japan, and Indonesia. Dr. Khalil's PhD dissertation, "Echoes of Constantinople: Oral and Written Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople" is one of the foundational works of English-language scholarship for understanding the chant practices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Amy and Richard had a wide-ranging conversation with him in which he reflected on several aspects of the development of English-language Byzantine chant. Part 1 of 2.
12/28/2018 • 28 minutes, 52 seconds
ISOCM 2018 & DMOPC Conferences
In June, Richard and Amy traveled in opposite directions, with Amy heading to Minneapolis for the International Society of Orthodox Church Music (ISOCM) Conference and Richard heading to Crete for the International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. Amy recounts the presence of Byzantine chant at ISOCM, including an English-language concert by the Byzantine choir YPHOS, and Richard discusses the very different landscapes Greece and the United States represent in terms of Orthodox concerns about digital media (and yes, that includes chanting).
12/14/2018 • 0
ISOCM 2018 & DMOPC Conferences
In June, Richard and Amy traveled in opposite directions, with Amy heading to Minneapolis for the International Society of Orthodox Church Music (ISOCM) Conference and Richard heading to Crete for the International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care. Amy recounts the presence of Byzantine chant at ISOCM, including an English-language concert by the Byzantine choir YPHOS, and Richard discusses the very different landscapes Greece and the United States represent in terms of Orthodox concerns about digital media (and yes, that includes chanting).
12/14/2018 • 26 minutes, 32 seconds
How Automela Make a Chanter’s Life Easier
Automela, or model melodies, have historically been an important part of Byzantine chant. Their use in English is becoming more prevalent as we have more and more metered text. Richard and Amy explain how model melodies make chanting services easier as well as discuss the complications that arise due to the circulation of multiple English translations.
11/30/2018 • 23 minutes, 9 seconds
How Automela Make a Chanter's Life Easier
Automela, or model melodies, have historically been an important part of Byzantine chant. Their use in English is becoming more prevalent as we have more and more metered text. Richard and Amy explain how model melodies make chanting services easier as well as discuss the complications that arise due to the circulation of multiple English translations.
11/30/2018 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Papa Ephraim, Part 2
Papa Ephraim continues his story, telling us how his composition process changed when he began composing hymns for Vespers and how he began codifying the melodies Byzantine chant into a systematic book of formulae in order to aid his work. He also shares how he was able to convert his font for Byzantine notation into Braille.
11/16/2018 • 24 minutes, 37 seconds
Composer Spotlight: Papa Ephraim, Part 2
Papa Ephraim continues his story, telling us how his composition process changed when he began composing hymns for Vespers and how he began codifying the melodies Byzantine chant into a systematic book of formulae in order to aid his work. He also shares how he was able to convert his font for Byzantine notation into Braille.
11/9/2018 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Papa Ephraim, Part 1
Papa Ephraim has composed a huge body of hymns for Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy and made them freely available online through St. Anthony’s Monastery. Join Amy and Richard as Papa Ephraim tells us about his journey into Orthodoxy, his time on Mt. Athos where he became a monk, and his time back in America where he started to compose.
11/9/2018 • 0
Composer Spotlight: Papa Ephraim, Part 1
Papa Ephraim has composed a huge body of hymns for Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy and made them freely available online through St. Anthony’s Monastery. Join Amy and Richard as Papa Ephraim tells us about his journey into Orthodoxy, his time on Mt. Athos where he became a monk, and his time back in America where he started to compose.
11/9/2018 • 22 minutes, 35 seconds
Byzantine Chant: Recent Developments
Beginning in the early 2000s, a shift in Byzantine chant in English began to be noticeable. Join Amy and Richard as they describe the change in the composition process that spurred lots of new composition projects and lots of new recordings.
10/26/2018 • 0
Byzantine Chant: Recent Developments
Beginning in the early 2000s, a shift in Byzantine chant in English began to be noticeable. Join Amy and Richard as they describe the change in the composition process that spurred lots of new composition projects and lots of new recordings.
10/26/2018 • 27 minutes, 56 seconds
The Development of Byzantine Chant in English, Part 1
Richard and Amy discuss early Byzantine chant projects in English beginning in the 70’s with Basil Kazan’s Divine Music Project, moving into the 80’s with Vassilis Hadjinicolaou’s CDs, the 90’s with the formation of the Boston Byzantine Choir and Eikona, and ending in the early 2000’s with Fr. Apostolos Hill’s CDs.
10/12/2018 • 0
The Development of Byzantine Chant in English, Part 1
Richard and Amy discuss early Byzantine chant projects in English beginning in the 70’s with Basil Kazan’s Divine Music Project, moving into the 80’s with Vassilis Hadjinicolaou’s CDs, the 90’s with the formation of the Boston Byzantine Choir and Eikona, and ending in the early 2000’s with Fr. Apostolos Hill’s CDs.
10/12/2018 • 21 minutes, 18 seconds
Byzantine Chant: Music Basics
Richard and Amy discuss the modal system, the way that the liturgical function of hymns contributes to their melodic makeup, the notation system used in Byzantine chant, as well as oral tradition and vocal style.
9/28/2018 • 0
Byzantine Chant: Music Basics
Richard and Amy discuss the modal system, the way that the liturgical function of hymns contributes to their melodic makeup, the notation system used in Byzantine chant, as well as oral tradition and vocal style.
9/28/2018 • 22 minutes, 20 seconds
Introduction
Richard Barrett and Amy Hogg introduce themselves and describe what this podcast will entail.
9/14/2018 • 0
Introduction
Richard Barrett and Amy Hogg introduce themselves and describe what this podcast will entail.