Liturgical Music

History of the Liturgical Music in Philadelphia

Crest Full Color One Inch TallThe History of the Liturgical Music of this great Archdiocese is filled with the stories of the outstanding musicians on whose vision and foundation we stand.  During the 150 years for our beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and in our Archdiocesan Parishes, we have been blessed with some of the finest musicians in this country.  They have given leadership to those who work in Sacred Music everywhere. This page will be a work in progress with frequent additions as we continue our research.  Please visit often.  If you have information or graphics which could be added, please email them to the Office for Liturgical Music, Archdiocese of Philadelphia at cangelini@archphila.org

 

Historical Philadelphia as a Leader for Liturgical Music

  1. Philadelphia’s Historic Contributions to Catholic Liturgical Music  (Lucy E. Carroll)
  2. Philadelphia’s Glorious Catholic Church Music  (Lucy E. Carroll)
  3. Catholic Choirs in Philadelphia by Michael Cross 1887
  4. 1869 Article Influence of the Catholic Church upon Modern Art

The Musical History of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Michael Hurley Cross, 1833-1897          Years of Service: 1864 – 1877
Richard Zeckwer, 1850-1922            Years of Service: 1878 – 1880
Emil Gastel, 1847 – 1916          Years of Service 1881 – 1882
Samuel Herrmann, 1860 – 1913    Years of Service 1883 – 1896
Edwin F. MacGonigle, 1843 – 1914     Years of Service 1897 – 1902
William A. Thunder,                        Years of Service 1902 – 1921
Dr. Reginald Mills Silby, 1884 – 1954             Years of Service 1925 – 1935
Gerard Stief, 1915 – 1994      Years of Service 1935 – 1966
Richard Tecca    Years of Service 1965 – 1967
Dr. Peter LaManna    1931 -1990    Years of Service 1967 – 1990
Michael SheeranSketch of cathedral 1872.1    Years of Service 1990 – 2010
Dr. John A Romeri, AAGO, ChM      Years of Service: 2010 – 2015 Charlene Angelini, Years of Service: 2016 –

 

 

The Cathedral Organ

The Choirs

  1. The Cathedral Choir
  2. The Collegiate Choir
  3. The Archdiocesan Choir
  4. The Archdiocesan Boys Choir
  5. The Archdiocesan Girls Choir

Other Key Musicians

  1. Albert Dooner
  2. A. H. RoSewig
  3. Nicola Montani
    1. The Philadelphia St. Gregory Guild
    2. The St. Gregory Hymnal

 The Eucharistic Congress 1976

Recordings
Articles
Photos

The Association of Church Musicians in Philadelphia

  1. History