The Adoremus Hymnal

Introduction

The Adoremus Hymnal draws on the rich treasury of the Catholic tradition that will inspire Catholics to want to sing the great sacred music of our heritage. Beautifully bound, this hymnal is much more than a collection of hymns. Following the general plan in Musicam Sacram, this hymnal consists of three major sections: the Order of the Mass; musical settings for the Ordinary of the Mass; and a selection of over 170 of the most beautiful hymns ever written--for every season of the liturgical year and other feasts and holidays. All three sections include Latin and English selections. In addition to the regular pew hymnal, there is a choir edition and an organ edition. The choir edition includes harmonization for all hymns. The organ edition is in a 3-ring binder and comes with a free set of four CDs that include all the sung parts of the hymnal (first stanza and refrain). The music was selected on the basis of beauty, holiness, Catholic tradition, theological integrity, familiarity and simplicity. All the music is within the capabilities of every Catholic parish. Special Features: Follows the principles of the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Liturgy and the post-Conciliar Vatican Instruction On Sacred Music Contains a carefully made but ample selection of the best hymns--both English and Latin--of the Church's tradition, as well as hymns more recently composed Includes Gregorian and English chant settings for the Ordinaries (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) Selected by a committee of Church musicians, parish priests, religious and laity (the ones who will be doing the singing!) Includes the entire Order of Mass in Latin and English, with music for acclamations and responses Beautifully and sturdily bound, with two ribbons, using the highest quality acid-free natural paper Many traditional Latin hymns are in both Latin and English version (e.g., Ave Maria, Veni, veni Emmanuel) All English hymns appear exactly as in the original English texts (retaining sacred language and using standard English.) "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. . . . Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy, the more closely connected it is with the liturgical action." -- Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium "The Church recognizes Gregorian Chant as being specially suited to the Roman liturgy. Therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services." -- Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium ". . . It is desirable also that an edition [of Gregorian chant] be prepared containing simpler melodies for use in smaller churches." -- Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium