Recent comments
Author: Richard Schletty
"It gave me a square box that said IFRAME in red".
Yes, that is what you should see until you actually Preview or Save the post. Then it will show up. I suggest you use the Preview option to check your post when in doubt.
The lack of an embed preview while in edit mode is an unfortunate limitation in this old version of Drupal CMS (v6.x) that I have not been able to solve. This website with its dated technology is somewhat analogous to your analog recording studio. "If it ain...
Author: Sherri Matthew
Hi Richard,
Thanks for doing this for me. I tried doing just that, like a million times. All I got was the code when I previewed it. It wouldn't show me the actual player. Also it gave me a square box that said IFRAME in red. Also I experimented with the Source tab and Rich text and Plain text, as well as the link button. Also switched browsers and it still happened in FireFox. Didn't try it in Chrome.
I'm using Safari 14.0.1 on Mac OS Catalina 10.15.7.
I don't have any browser...
Author: Richard Schletty
Sherri: Copy and paste this code into the Source tab of your post (upper left button in formatting toolbar). If you like, I can do this for you.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=OLAK5uy_kNF1XVxYhmlcwmEf_hYMc8FqExWPGF968" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Author: Richard Schletty
Michelle, this is your most popular psalm at TCS to date, with over 1000 reads. Congrats! It's a beautiful setting of Psalm 92. What is the first name of the soloist in this song?
Author: Guillaume
Hi Andrzej!
Thank you for your positive feedback! I am currently working on a third one.
Have a great day!
Guillaume
Author: Sherri Matthew
Hi Andrzej!
I am so glad you liked reading about my working methods. I always figured people would find it quite boring, so I try not to get into that in too much detail. I usually hear the "I don't understand technology!" followed by a giggle, so that's taught me not to discuss my recording work in depth. I just say I'm a harpist and a recording engineer and quickly change the subject.
In the meantime, here's a bit more about little Jasmine Kitty!! Here is a photo of her plucking...
Author: Andrzej
so beautiful to see a household so full of joy in music! THank you for sharing these intriguing glimpses into your process, space and equipment. I really enjoyed your point about how the process is different than on a computer, as is the way of thinking about and constructing the music. THe result sound great, i'll look forward to hearing more. IN the meantime, thank you again for this delightful post!
Author: Andrzej
I really like how the two songs patiently develop and unfold. I love the waltz meter in the first as well as the interesting chord changes. I especiallylike the intrumentation and arrangement and energy of the second. Can't wait to hear more!
Author: Andrzej
Congratulations to the composer!
Author: Andrzej
...A beautiful blend of crystal clear acoutic tone and smokey, velvety vocals!
Author: Richard Schletty
A fitting reflection on Mary on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Very nice blend of voices and instruments. Love that violin. A pleasant contemplative folk vibe. Reminiscent of the Mamas and the Papas and Karen Carpenter.
Were you having trouble embedding the YouTube iframe?
Author: Sherri Matthew
Hi Richard!
Thanks for listening and I'm happy to hear I've inspired you to dust off your old r2r :-) What make and track width is it? If it's been sitting around for a while you may need to take it in for touch-up servicing... the main drive belt slipped off the capstan motor on one of my Tascam TSR-8s, plus the other machine needed a new (actually used part) reel table. And of course, they both had to be re-calibrated, head alignment, etc., etc. My 16 channel analog mixer console spent...
Author: Richard Schletty
First of all, welcome to TopCatholicSongs.com.
It is awesome that you have an old-school analog recording studio. I have my old reel-to-reel in the attic and am now inspired to bring it down to my basement studio and dust it off. There is a warmth and fullness that analog tape offers over digital recording methods.
Your 30-second clip of Salve Regina sounds lush – like an Enya production, as you say. I am looking forward to exploring your music, especially your addtional instrument...
Author: Richard Schletty
Good melodic contours and chord progressions. Sung well. Played well. Very nice.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Beautiful song.
Of course, the lyrics is so wonderful.
I am so fortunate to have visited The Sea of Galilee, earlier this year.
Thank you for sharing this beauty!!!
Blessings,
Rene
Author: Guillaume
Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I discovered a few days ago the post you mentioned.
In Christo.
Guillaume
Author: Richard Schletty
Love it. Really good music and passionate singing. Bravo. Thanks for sharing.
Have you seen this post here at TCS? Another Catholic Metal band. topcatholicsongs.com/Via-Crucis-Katholicus-Catholic-Metal
Author: Richard Schletty
Beautiful, melodious and infused with the love that flows from the Trinity. A very nice blend of vocals and righteous instrumental backing. Awesome that you performed this in concert.
Thanks for sharing.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I enjoyed this, loved the blending of the two different languages with one purpose.
Author: Alexander John
Hi guys, thanks for the kind and supportive words and feedback. I was not raised a Catholic growing up and my family weren't religious in any sense. It was seven or eight years ago I started attending church and as strong as my faith is, there are moments where I feel myself losing grip and slipping away from it all. I know it's not the right way because it doesn't feel "right" and there is an emptiness that is cold and hollow when I drift. I cant talk to any blood relatives about any of it but...
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex: Stay strong in the faith. I found poetry quite therapeutic as well as intellectually and artistically stimulating. Several of my poems turned into songs. You can see the questions I posed and the observations I made here: indwellings.com
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Good to hear from you once again. And glad you're strengthening your faith also. It's a long haul journey for sure but God's grace is amazing. Thank you for sharing your work here also! Keep it up - and maybe your writing may help you process some of what you're going through, can be very therapeutic :-)
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
I will pass your good word to Decker!
It has been a while since I had communbicated wioth you.
And great to hear from you.
I have been busy with a few good folks wanting to collaborate in songwriting.
What keeps you busy these days?
Warm regards,
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
As usual, beautiful music and imagery. Very restful yet proclamatory!
Author: Richard Schletty
Well played and sung, Rene. I like this one. Give my regards to Decker Brown.
Coincidentally, I penned a song called "You're the One" back in 2009. I posted it here at TCS several years ago but just refreshed the story to include my two takes on the song with two differnet collaborators – one classical and the other rock. Search for "You're the One" to find it.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is graceful and melodious. I was really struck by the entrance of the chorus. Guitar work is uncomplicated yet fully supportive, as usual.
Author: Richard Schletty
I love it. It brings your song lyrics to life. I hope this video gets a lot of traction. Send it to EWTN. Bravo. Congrats to you and Opus Joyous Studios.
Author: Richard Schletty
You create a very fine and soothing tapestry of prayer in this psalm setting. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan Vi, my condolences to you and your family at the loss of your dear father. My prayers are for you all.
Author: Richard Schletty
Your psalm rendition floats over restful waters. God hears your heartfelt praise and thanks for the wondrous gift of creation. Let us respect each other and tend to the garden.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Thank you so much Dan Vi!
And your devotion to the Virgin Mary is so inspirational.
I am so glad to be able to contribute to this collaboration.
I am excited to hear the congregational version of this collab project.
Your wonderful comments are so much appreciated.
Rene
Author: asiansa09
Hi Richard,
You can find more information about the rosary through the link below:
https://rosarycenter.org/
Author: Rene Asologuitar
When you come visit, we can both play Taylor Guitars, and make good music.
Respectfully,
Rene
Author: asiansa09
Hi Richard,
I am so glad that you have such an inspiration to work on version 2 of the song about promises from Our Lady of Fatima because it is a great resource for the general public to know more about the messages. Good promotion.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for sending your list of Fatima promises. I am glad I asked. I had mistakenly thought the promises below were from Fatime. I see now that the seven below were revealed to St. Bridget:
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/our-lady-s-seven-sorrows-seven-promises-and-fatima-s-connection
Our Blessed Mother revealed these seven promises to St. Bridget of Sweden in the 14th century. Our Lady said she would bestow seven graces to the those souls honoring her daily by saying seven Hail Marys while...
Author: asiansa09
Yes, I do have Mary's 15 promises to those who recite the rosary from America Needs Fatima
https://americaneedsfatima.org/
1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
4. It will cause virtue and good works...
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan Vi: I might try composing another version that uses the idea behind your lyrics. I assume that these are among your original sources for the promises of Mary:
Mary's seven promises to the shepherd children of Fatima
Mary's 15 promises to those who pray the Rosary (as given to St. Dominic)
Do you have other sources I can look at?
Here is my objective in doing a second version: I want to create a Marian song that might be suitable for congregational singing, and especially easy...
Author: asiansa09
It is a richness in resources within the messages from our Lady of Fatima to her children. We just touch the surface of the treasure that we haven't discovered from Mother Mary. So continue to recite the rosary as her request from her children.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the lovely comments.
And much respect and appreciation for the work that you do.
You are a very generous person, and truly a blessing to all!!!
Thanks for inviting me to collab on this project.
I can't wait for your version of this project!!!
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
Rene, you did a superb job on this – so reverent and flowing. And your guitar is sublime. You are so good at creating magic out of any lyrics, no matter how uneven the line lengths are. You possess a natural ability for creating prosody which is a key requirement for a good song.
Author: asiansa09
As I listen to your voice, and I realize you have warm voices and sweet. That is so wonderful.
I like the record of the song very much.
You write the song lyric precisely and according to the Bible as we follow closely with the words of Mother Mary through the rosary.
Author: asiansa09
You can write my real name, Dan Vi Nguyen, in collaboration with Richard Schletty and Rene Asologuitar.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Good Evening Dan-Vi and Richard,
I am done with the song melody.
I do have a request to make.
I would like to start a new blog to present the song.
Thank you!!!
At this time, this song is quite buried in this current thread/blog.
Presenting the song in a new blog would help in the proper presentation and release of this song.
Title:
I Am The Mother Of God,Praying For You
Lyrics: Collaborated by asiansa09, Richard Schletty and Rene Asologuitar
Melody: By Rene Asologuitar
You...
Author: Rene Asologuitar
I Am the Mother of God, Praying for You
VERSE 1
I received the good news from / the Angel Gabriel:
An Immaculate Conception / through the Spirit.
A child born for mankind's / salvation.
A child bringing peace to the earth.
A child bringing joy to each heart.
CHORUS
I am // the mother of God, praying for all.
Interceding for all through Jesus, my Son,
Bringing praise and petitions to the Father of All.
You can trust in His love, my children.
VERSE 2
Salvation is promised to all who...
Author: Andrzej
I agree - I think this is so beautifully done. The instrumentation, text and phrasing are so effectively arranged. I especially admire the intimacy of the vocals. Please accept my admiration!
Author: Andrzej
Sounds great and really catchy too! Thank you for sharing this. Andrzej
Author: Richard Schletty
Congratulations, Fr. Maximilian. Very nice article by Aleteia.org. You are a creative songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, deeply rooted in Christian faith, exploring many genres. Keep on "spreading the blaze" – the fire of the Holy Spirit! Thanks for sharing your songs of faith here at TCS. You are both prodigious and prolific!
Author: asiansa09
I like it very much.
I like the title of the song.
I wrote the song lyric from the perspective of Mother Mary's conversation with her children.
Your song lyric is in the form of Mother Mary's response to her children.
That is a very unique approach. We should continue to follow the unique way of writing this song's lyrics in that direction.
Author: Richard Schletty
Rene and I are working together to craft this song for Dan-Vi. I came up with some of my own tweaks which I might as well share. Anyone can feel free to jump in and make comments. The real work begins when we start to pour the lyrics into a melody, meter and chord progression. And then there is the question of whether we should attempt to rhyme!
I Am the Mother of Jesus, Praying for All
VERSE 1
I received the good news from the Angel Gabriel:
An Immaculate Conception through the Spirit.
A...
Author: Rene Asologuitar
As Mother Of God, I’ll Pray For You
CHORUS
In heaven, I'll pray for you upon my son, Jesus Christ.
In heaven, I'll intercede for you upon my son, Jesus Christ.
Trust in Him, my child.
VERSE
My honor to receive good news from Angel Gabriel
Immaculate conception with the Spirit
A child who will be for mankind's salvation.
A child will bring peace to the earth.
A child will bring joy to the world.
Salvation promised to all believers
Confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord...
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Thanks Richard!!!
Your comments are always so appreciated.
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
You sing this imperative with passion and artistry. Excellent.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, John, for sharing your song of hope that flows from Jesus Christ.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Dan-Vi, for your reflections on fatherhood. I pray for a restoration and strengthening of the nuclear family as one way to restore love of God and love of neighbor in our troubled world.
Author: asiansa09
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there upon Sorrowful Mother Virgin Mary and Christ.
Author: Richard Schletty
A timely song professing the power of selfless love as a curative for abortion. Thank you!
Author: Richard Schletty
If the song was in a separate folder, then there's a good chance that it was an original song by a regional songwriter. The song may have never been published in a "big" hymnal. I'll keep digging.
Here's a thought: Contact the church/school and see if the music director has a file cabinet of old songs. Maybe Lady of Love is in there! It is very helpful to know that it's a simple guitar-driven song for kids. I was looking in very old traditional Catholic hymnals. I...
Author: AmyV
Hi. I was in the United States- probably 1986-1990. I am pretty sure it was called Lady of Love. I remember that it was not in our hymnal- we had a folder with additional songs in it. I remember my teacher playing it on guitar, but we did sing it at Mass. I have looked and looked for it....
Author: Richard Schletty
But the last verse is not Mary speaking:
VERSE
Glory be to the Lord, Jesus Christ, who had risen to save us through the cross.
Now his Mother Mary is also honored in Heaven with him.
Pray for us in heaven, Mother Mary, and remember us.
Intercede for us now that you are in heaven, Mother Mary.
Pray for us my Mother Mary, intercede for us.
Author: Richard Schletty
Amy, unfortunately I was unable to find the "Lady of Love" hymn that you are seeking. After scouring the Internet, I looked through my old Catholic hymnals. Again, it would help to know the time period and general location of your childhood Catholic school. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you for the additional explanation. If I decide to work on the song, I will have to modify some of the lyrics to have a consistent "voice" or point of view. I think it should be Mary speaking to us throughout the song. Blessings.
Author: asiansa09
My inspiration for this song is based on the rosary that I recite in everyday life.
So you can refer to the message of the prayer the rosary if necessary.
The Chorus of the song is the words Mother Mary promised to her children.
This song is like a conversation song lyric between Mother Mary and her children.
Author: asiansa09
Richard,
The song, God's Gift to All The World, is a very good song that I often share with others.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan-Vi: I'll see what I can come up with for music. I sang our previous collaborative song, "God's Gift to All the World", again at the annual Solemn Good Friday Prayer Vigil outside the walls of Planned Parenthood. The event is sponsored by PLAM.org.
Author: asiansa09
Hope someone is inspired to take on the song lyric to make music for it.
Author: Richard Schletty
Hi, Amy. Welcome to TCS. I am looking for the hymn on the internet but haven't found it so far. I do have some old hymnals I can look through. Can you tell me approximately what years you were singing the hymn in school and in what country you were? Do you remember the name of the hymnal you sang from?
Author: Richard Schletty
I think that your setting of psalm 30 is more melodious and easier to sing than the Paul Inwood version I have sung many times in the past (found in many GIA hymnals):
Psalm 30: I Will Praise You, Lord (Inwood) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abG-4ymxruY
The verses in the Inwood setting are especially tortuous to sing.
We need to get your version published by GIA and OCP!
By the way, three settings of Psalm 30 are listed in this "GIA hymnals comparative listing of songs"...
Author: AmyV
I am looking for a Mary song. We use to sing it a Catholic School during Mass. I'm pretty sure it was called "Lady of Love," but I can't find the lyrics or a recording anywhere. I remember some of the lyrics:
She's the lady of love,
She's the queen of peace,
She's the mother of my Lord.
She carried Him to Bethlehem,
Gave birth in a place unadorned
That's all I came up with. I have been searching for it as I teach preschool at a Catholic School and think it would be perfect...
Author: Richard Schletty
I have never played a Taylor guitar. Maybe one day I will own one, along with a deep, woody guitarrón!
Author: Richard Schletty
Very nice setting of Psalm 117/118. You take the listener to a restful place of blessed assurance. As usual, instruments and voices blend beautifully.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
Thanks for upgrading my music room into a music store.
I have not owned a guitarron, but I would probably buy one, myself.
Capo'ing down from the written chords in books, are very good idea, and I will keep them in mind.
For my purpose, I tried this lower tuning on my Taylor BTO GO, and I love the sound, so I will keep it at this lower tuning, and use this guitar for any song that I might need the assistance.
Always a pleasure conversing with you Richard!!!
Respectfully,
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
P.S. Give my compliments to the bassist and violinist. Very well done! And to think that you create your mixes by having each player and singer send you their own track, with each part done without any sheet music; then you mix in GarageBand. Worthy of a story by itself, explaining your process.
Author: Richard Schletty
DGCFAD tuning: I tried that a few years ago with my 12-string. Baritones need relief from those high-flying tenors!
The nice thing about most guitar editions of hymnals sold by liturgical publishers is that they have alternate capo chords in parentheses above the original chords. I sometimes capo down a half step or three from those alternate chords, effectively transposing the song. Not something you can do with a keyboardist who is unable to to transpose on the fly. But works great when I am...
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for your great comment!
Family, especially during this time of Easter, is a time to treasure. Thanks for pointing that family-building is of utmost importance in this troubled world today, most specially.
And by the way, my Taylor is my designated guitar for music that is a bove my vocal reach, as I tuned it down to D, instead of E - D,G,C,F,A,D.
I just exposed one of my secrets, hahahaha!
Thanks Richard, as always, it is a pleasure to hear from you!...
Author: Richard Schletty
A very fine song, René. Your guitar and voice are resonant, as usual. The merits of family-building must be sung throughout the world, especially in the wake of forces that endeavor to destroy family life.
One question: How do you decide which guitar to use at any given moment? :-)
Author: Richard Schletty
Wonderful arrangement and recording. I love your harmonies. Rejoice in the Lord!
Author: Richard Schletty
Well done. Send my regards to Evelyn Lee, Pilgrim People, Choirs of Singapore, and your Choir of Our Lady of the Rosary in Barbados. Another responsorial psalm that soothes the soul and gladdens the heart.
Author: Richard Schletty
Glad you are getting the hang of it. My aim is to make it much simpler with a complete website rebuild.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan-Vi, thank you for sharing your biography. I commend you for all your achievements thus far. And your faith has guided you throughout your life. You have a wonderful familiy and have had many good associations. Nice to see all the photos in your life story. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is the closest song I can find. Let us know if this is the one.
Mary, our Mother, Teach Us to Pray cover | Hymn for PRAYING the ROSARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdIZN0aoJl0
Mary, our Mother, Teach Us to Pray chords
https://chordify.net/en/chords/mary-our-mother-teach-us-to-pray-cover-hymn-for-praying-the-rosary-si...
The song is commonly used with recitation of the Rosary.
The Holy Rosary Prayer | Sorrowful Mysteries | Divine Hymns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rK0Wo5GWwA
Author: Richard Schletty
This is the approach that Tony Moran, his daughter Tara, and I are taking for faith songs for children. 16 of the 17 songs are rough demos by Tony and Tara. I am in the process of finalizing sheet music for voice, piano and guitar.
Faith Songs for Kids
For faith formation classes or car ride singalongs!
https://catholicliturgyinsong.org/faith-songs-for-kids
This is one of the songs that I have re-recorded so far to give it the Schletty acoustic vibe:
3. He Made the Sea
https://insong.org/wp-...
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Thank you for your comments! The producer who worked with me on this remix was European, so the song comes by the sound honestly! You definitely can take and modify the lyrics in any way you want. I had a children's catechism teacher say it needed slowed down if ever to be used to teach haha. FYI the lyrics are mine but I don't own the melody - it's gotten by as legal parody.
Author: Richard Schletty
This arrangement of Psalm 22 is very touching. The voices and instruments are delicate yet powerful in the emotions that are conveyed. I imagine myself walking with Jesus in his anguish. We must believe that Jesus walks with us now in both our sorrows and our joys. God will never forsake us!
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for sharing, John. I added an iTunes preview to your post. Sounds really good.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
You are a very good teacher, very patient and kind!!!
Thanks Richard!
Rene
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
I will figure this thing out.
Again, thanbks for your patience and support!
Respectfully,
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
Good to know that the music ministry Tony Moran (RIP) and I started 3-1/2 years ago is needed. That was Tony's objective: to provide music resources free to those who need simple arrangements that are easy to sing and play.
Author: Richard Schletty
Well, this time you embedded your YouTube twice in the full story and not at all in the teaser (which appears in the home page feed).
I am not going to rescue you this time. I order you to figure it out! LOL
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Captain H,
Thanks for the feedback!
You are the first person I have met in this forum, aside from Richard.
I am so glad to meet you, and it is my pleasure to share some songs and happiness with members of this forum.
Thanks again!!!
Rene
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the time and expert listen.
This is an older recording, and I have since changed my set-up, and I have eliminated my clipping issues at this time.
I am not using any DAW at this time.
I cannot even properly embed my video on this forum, hahahaha.
Truly appreciate your expertise and generosity Richard!!!
Respectfully,
Rene
Author: Richard Schletty
This remix has great ambience and an awesome groove. I like the new soundbed intervals you introduced. Cool bass rises and falls. Almost like Euro Trance. I'll call it Cathedral Groove. LOL.
I like the rhyming but so many words are rushed and scrunched to fit your fast tempo. Prosody could be improved. We talked about that before. I'm tempted to pour your lyrics into a slow, laid-back folk-country groove.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I know there's a huge need for Spanish language music materials. Thank you to Richard and all that are doing these.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Enjoyable. I would love to have this to participate in if I were in a Mass, but also for a relaxing and Spirit-tuned afternoon!
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I want to echo what Richard said about the clipping (but I don't know anything about what he said regarding it) but absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Is this new Captcha verification part of the migration? If so, very nice. I mean, I don't like doing them (who does?) but it makes me feel the site is secure.
Thanks for the update from late March. I will refrain from MP3 and simply plaster frame links at everyone :-)
Thank you, Richard!