SE03 EP03 – Motets – with Dr. Aaron James

Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast

What is a motet? Where did this musical genre come from? What has the word "motet" meant throughout history? What can motets of the past teach us about incorporating non-obligatory texts into the sacred liturgy? How can the music and texts of motets make the other texts of the Mass, especially those of the lectionary, come to life? We explore these questions with Dr. Aaron James, the Director of Music for the Toronto Oratory of St Philip Neri, serving the music program at Holy Family Church in Toronto. He’s a graduate of the Eastman school of music, earning there both the PhD in musicology and a DMA in organ performance. He shares helpful scholarly insights which help illuminate the path for music directors as they make repertory choices. Too, we hear some recordings produced by the singers in his excellent parish music program.

The Oratory's YouTube channel is available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRRUmJAW2o_nh74VB3ijYxQ

The website for the music program of the oratory is: https://oratory-toronto.org/holy-family-parish/choirs/