I'm not at my main computer right now and I haven't the pictures I want to upload, so pctures are soon to come.
I wasn't hesitant to request this item for a review, as I had read some very great things regarding the Simple English Propers,
such as their faithfulness to true plainchant and clear layouts.
Apparently, the propers are an effort the bring true sacred music back
to the vernacular Mass. Well, if every Parish had this book, we wouldn't
have a problem with bad hymns. The Simple English Propers are published
by the same people who publish the "Vatican II Hymnal", which I haven't
looked at but also have heard good things about it. When I opened the
box which held the book, I was surprised to see that the cover was
tastefully designed with a picture of an old breviary: and it was
HARDCOVER too! The book opens nicely, and it stays open. The paper is
higher-quality novel paper, and not too heavy.
The pages are designed very nicely. The text is very clear, easy to
read, and a nice font. The music, staffed in Gregorian notation is easy
to follow and the words are positioned beneath the bars in such a
manner that congregational singing would be more than possible.
Settings for the Funeral and Nuptial Masses are included, and that for me is an extra selling-point.
What I loved, and was my favourite feature of these propers is that
the tunes the Psalms are set to are splendidly reverent, and serve two
main purposes. 1, the main purpose, is to Praise God. The second, is
ease of use.
More than just propers are included, there are a view other chants
as well, but nothing too extensive. There aren't many cons that I can
blame this book for, except maybe they could publish an edition that is
one solid colour with maybe a white/thinner bible-like paper common in
hymnbooks, just as an extra edition. But that's only minor, and a
non-issue in regards to the content. In my opinion, every parish that
offers the Ordinary Form should have, and use the Simple English propers
alongside Gregorian chant.
The Propers are an excellent key in restoring the traditions of sacred
music BACK to the Church! I would graciously like to thank Tiber River
for sending me a copy of this book!
I wrote this review of Simple English Propers for the free Catholic book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and First Communion Gifts.
Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.
I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.
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