Category Archives: Todd's music

original compositions and arrangements

Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Psalm 71

Posted on 23 January 2021 by catholicsensibility

The 71st Psalm is assigned to the Holy Week Lectionary for Tuesday. It has an echo with Good Friday’s Psalm 31. It is also a possibility for the pastoral care for people who are sick and dying. Scripture scholars classify … Continue reading →

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Psalm 116: Our Blessing Cup

Posted on 5 October 2020 by catholicsensibility

A featured Psalm for the Triduum does not come up often in the Sunday cycle. I suppose it could be done during Communion now and then. My friend Brian does a nice job from this past Holy Thursday’s time of … Continue reading →

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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Psalm 86

Posted on 16 July 2020 by catholicsensibility

It shouldn’t be a surprise that most of the psalms chosen for the Pastoral Care Lectionary fall in the genre of lament. The 86th is a lovely work. It makes a weekly appearance in Compline on Monday night. In my … Continue reading →

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Psalm 118: Alleluia, Your Mercy

Posted on 26 April 2020 by catholicsensibility

One side benefit to having streaming and recorded liturgy at my parish is that I can get certain things peeled off the long feed if I like them. My friend Brian shared Psalm 118 with me last weekend, and we … Continue reading →

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Psalm 4: Lord, Let Your Face

Posted on 17 April 2018 by catholicsensibility

One of our parishioners captured one of my new compositions, a setting of Psalm 4, nicely led by one of our parish’s fine singers, Norie. The psalmists at my parish are very patient with new compositions, and in turn, I … Continue reading →

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Ruth Shapes Up

Posted on 15 April 2016 by catholicsensibility

Image credit. I have two big numbers left to finish. The finale has been started for a few years, but I’m still stuck. That usually means it’s an opportunity to junk it and start from scratch. But it’s hard to … Continue reading →

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At Bethlehem Gate

Posted on 11 December 2015 by catholicsensibility

I was listening to an NPR piece about that new musical based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, and as the discussion about a few specifics unfolded, it called to mind that fun opening piece from The Music Man. You … Continue reading →

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Farewell Concert

Posted on 8 July 2015 by catholicsensibility

Don’t know how many readers I have in the vicinity, but next Thursday some friends and I will be doing a concert. Tentative line-up: Day Is Done (AR HYD Y NOS, James Quinn, SJ) Meditation on Thais (Jules Massenet) Be … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist: Cuing Passion Responses

Posted on 27 March 2015 by catholicsensibility

PrayTell is discussing the theoretical role for the assembly in the Passion narratives of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. That’s explored territory on this blog. Liam offered a significant contribution, though: What happens when the assembly is given a “part” … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis and Others on Tobit

Posted on 6 June 2013 by catholicsensibility

Liam noted this link to Pope Francis preaching on Tobit, which is embedded in the daily Roman Lectionary these days. From the Holy Father: Two just people who live dramatic situations. The first is blinded despite his performing good works, … Continue reading →

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Meet Susanna Today

Posted on 18 March 2013 by catholicsensibility

Today’s Roman Lectionary offers a stark contrast to yesterday’s cycle C gospel. On Sunday, a woman is accused of a crime she did commit. Today, another woman is accused, but she is innocent. Daniel the prophet to the rescue in … Continue reading →

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The Whole Musical

Posted on 18 November 2012 by catholicsensibility

You can now experience the dress rehearsal of my musical Tobit: The Path of Virtue on YouTube. Sometime later today, I’ll post the timing-starts for the individual songs.

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Tobiah and Sarah on the Wedding Night

Posted on 12 November 2012 by catholicsensibility

A video segment from dress rehearsal last year. “Raphael Binds the Demon” plus “Marriage Prayer.” TOBIAH Blessed are you. God of our ancestors, blessed forever is your holy name. Let the heavens praise you, and all your creation for evermore. … Continue reading →

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Psalm 126: The Lord Has Done Great Things

Posted on 23 September 2012 by catholicsensibility

The 126th comes up in the 30th Ordinary Sunday Lectionary, cycle B, the end of next month. I appreciate the assistance of my friend Lynette who rendered my setting nicely: The Lord Has Done Great Things Note: Gratis permission is … Continue reading →

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The Goodness of the Lord

Posted on 13 September 2012 by catholicsensibility

I composed this psalm for friends over twenty-seven years ago. I noticed the comment from a visitor asking about a musical setting of Psalm 33 for a wedding. I have an audio of my psalm setting here: The Goodness of the Lord … Continue reading →

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