Live Vocal Performances

Currently I am singing as cantor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Atlanta, usually on the 3rd Sunday of each month. This beautiful French Romanesque church is over 100 years old, and was designed in 1897 by W. T. Downing, an architect from Atlanta. It was formally designated as a minor basilica by the Vatican on 22 February 2010, and it is the only basilica in Georgia. The Greek word for "royal hall" is the origin for the term "basilica," and Sacred Heart is indeed one of the most physically and accoustically beautiful venues for sacred music in the southeast. The organist is William E. Krape, someone with over 20 years experience performing and conducting music both in the church and in the broader Atlanta area. In the past I was a cantor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in northern Atlanta. Dr. Albert Ahlstrom, who received his doctorate in musical arts from The Juilliard School, is the organist with whom I usually performed. The listing below includes some recordings of my past performances.

Some of the titles below are linked to mp3 files of live recordings. Click on a link and it will play in your computer. If you want to save a copy, just right-mouse click on the title and choose "Save Target As." All of the music is Copyright © Courtney Brown. All rights reserved. But all of the music may be played on any radio station for free, or downloaded and shared for noncommercial use. None of the music may be sold. These are mp3 files, so give them a moment to download, depending on your connection speed.

Religious Web Sites Please Note: All of these songs can be used free of charge in any religious web site. Some songs are particularly useful for background music. If you decide to use a recording in your web site, please provide a link with an acknowledgement back to this web site (small print is fine). Also, please send me an email to let me know you are using the recording. Thanks!

COMMUNION SONGS

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

15 August 2010, 12:20 p.m. mass - "The Blessed Virgin Mary," by Louis Bourgeois.

25 July 2010, 12:20 p.m. mass - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn.

20 June 2010, 12:20 p.m. mass - A Swahili version of "Ave Maria, or in Swahili, "Mtakatifu Mariamu." This is a new version of the famous Schubert piece sung in Swahili. The translation is arranged by Courtney Brown. If you like things that are "new," this definitely qualifies. Read the words. RADIO STATIONS! Please play this song! Tell your listeners that they can get their own copy of the mp3 file here. The download is free!

16 May 2010, 12:20 p.m. mass - "Blessed Jesu," by Alfred M. Smith. This is a beautiful hymn that is also great as a solo piece.

25 April 2010, 12:20 p.m. mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

21 March 2010, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Be Thou With Me," by Johann Sebastian Bach. However, this is an English version by Katherine K. Davis with entirely different words than the original. The original version is a funerary song. The melody is so beautiful that it is often sung in various settings regardless of the words. However, this very different English version is very upbeat, and good for many settings.

21 February 2010, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ecce Panis Angelorum," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

24 January 2010, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Sheep May Safely Graze," a rich and melodic song by Johann Sebastian Bach, English translation (from the original German) by Katherine K. Davis.

20 December 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Verum Corpus" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

15 November 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria" by Charles Gounod. The music for this beautiful piece is adapted from J.S. Bach's "First Prelude."

17 May 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Vergin, Tutta Amor" (Virgin, Full of Grace), by Francesco Durante (1684-1755), slow and prayerful, sung in Italian.

19 April 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Panis Angelicus (Heavenly Manna)" by César Franck, sung in Latin. This piece has a simple but grand "cathedral sound."

22 March 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Pietà Signore!" by Alessandro Stradella (1645-82). This piece — sung in Italian — is one of the most beautiful spiritual songs ever composed.

15 February 2009, 8:30 a.m. mass - "For the Mountains Shall Depart" an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

14 December 2008, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria" by Simon Lindley. This is a rarely heard version of the Ave Maria. It has a beautiful melody that you want to keep singing over and over.

16 November 2008, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

19 October 2008, 8:30 a.m. mass - "The Call" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This song might be best described as a beautiful spiritual meditation with a folk flavor.

21 September 2008, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

17 August 2008, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria." This is the Schubert version, sung in Latin.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

10 December 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "For Behold," recitative and aria, from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. This is perfect for the second Sunday of Advent.

3 December 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Creátor Álme Síderum," a chant, perfect for Advent, sung in Latin.

26 November 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin. It is not quite Advent, so this is appropriate.

12 November 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

5 November 2006, 8:30 mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

29 October 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47). (This is an old recording.)

22 October 2006, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Panis Angelicus (Heavenly Manna)" by César Franck, sung in Latin. This piece has a simple but grand "cathedral sound."

8 October 2006, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Ave Maria." This is the Schubert version, but sung in Spanish. My voice was a bit unsteady this morning. Please forgive the few vocal errors.

1 October 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

24 September 2006, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Thus Saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts," a recitative and aria with operatic pyrotechnics from The Messiah by G.F. Händel.

10 September 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Rebekah," recitative and aria, a rarely heard piece with a grand sound by Joseph Barnby (1836-96).

3 September 2006, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Pietà Signore!" by Alessandro Stradella (1645-82). This piece — sung in Italian — is one of the most beautiful spiritual songs ever composed.

27 August 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "For the Mountains Shall Depart," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

13 August 2006, 8:30 mass - "Ave Verum," a Gregorian chant, sung in both Latin and Swahili. The Swahili is translated and arranged by Courtney Brown. Read the words.

6 August 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria," a deeply graceful and rarely heard arrangement by César Franck, sung in Latin.

30 July 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

23 July 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Why do the nations so furiously rage together?" This aria is from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. (A highly pyrotechnic aria, it stands as one of Händel's most powerful, both in message and music. In this age of increasing global conflict, Händel's choice of words has never been more appropriate. The words are from Psalm 2, verses 1 and 2. If you have never listenned to the words of this aria closely, you may want to check them out.)

9 July 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Wade in the Water," an Afro-American spiritual, performed in a low register with a smooth jazz feel.

2 July 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Bwana Awabariki," a traditional African folk hymn sung in both Swahili and English, a light Summer favorite. This hymn is often played during marriages. Read the words.

25 June 2006, 8:30 a.m. masses - "Ave Maria," or in Swahili, "Mtakatifu Mariamu." This is a new version of the famous Schubert piece sung in Swahili. The translation is arranged by Courtney Brown.

11 June 2004, 8:30 mass - "Anima Christi," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin and Swahili. Read the words.

4 June 2006, 8:30 mass - "Veni Creator Spiritus," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

28 May 2006, 8:30 mass - "Ave Verum," a Gregorian chant, sung in both Latin and Swahili. The Swahili is translated and arranged by Courtney Brown. Read the words.

7 May 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Be Thou with Me (Bist du bei Mir)" by Johann Sebastian Bach. I truly love Bach's music. In this instance, I sing the English version of this very beautiful and deeply spiritual song. The original German lyrics were written by an anonymous lyricist and translated by Bernard Taylor.

30 April 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

23 April 2006, 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. masses - "For the Mountains Shall Depart," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

15 April 2006, 8:30 mass - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

9 April 2006, 8:30 mass - "Vexila Regis," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin, appropriate for Lent.

2 April 2006, 8:30 mass - "Attende Domine," a Gregorian chant, written in the 10th Century, perfect for Lent, and sung in Latin.

26 March 2006, 8:30 mass - "Vergin, Tutta Amor" (Virgin, Full of Grace), by Francesco Durante (1684-1755), slow and prayerful, sung in Italian.

26 February 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Regina Caeli," a Gregorian chant, performed in multiple keys and sung in Latin.

12 February 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Love Bade Me Welcome," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This is an exceptionally beautiful song that is challenging to sing due to its unusual rhythmic qualities. It is perfect for communion.

22 January 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "The Call," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This song might be best described as a beautiful spiritual meditation with a folk flavor.

8 January 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

1 January 2006, 8:30 a.m. mass - "In the Bleak Mid-winter," by Gustav Holst (1874-1934). The words of this beautiful song are the poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-94).

25 December 2005, 10 a.m. mass - "Behold, I tell you a mystery," recitative and aria, from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. (The return of a favorite Christmas treat!)

11 December 2005, 10 a.m. mass - "My Heart Ever Faithful," by Johann Sebastian Bach.

4 December 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

27 November 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Creátor Álme Síderum," a chant, perfect for Advent, sung in Latin.

30 October 2005, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

23 October 2005, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 masses - "For Behold," recitative and aria, from The Messiah by G.F. Händel.

9 October 2005, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Pietà Signore!" by Alessandro Stradella (1645-82). This piece — sung in Italian — is one of the most beautiful spiritual songs ever composed.

25 September 2005, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Thus Saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts," a recitative and aria with operatic pyrotechnics from The Messiah by G.F. Händel.

11 September 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Rebekah," recitative and aria, a rarely heard piece with a grand sound by Joseph Barnby (1836-96).

4 September 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

28 August 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Vergin, Tutta Amor" (Virgin, Full of Grace), by Francesco Durante (1684-1755), slow and prayerful, sung in Italian.

14 August 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria," a deeply graceful and rarely heard arrangement by César Franck, sung in Latin.

7 August 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

31 July 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Verum," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

24 July 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Anima Christi," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

17 July 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

5 June 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Wade in the Water," an Afro-American spiritual, performed with a smooth jazz feel.

22 May 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Love Bade Me Welcome," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This is an exceptionally beautiful song that is challenging to sing due to its unusual rhythmic qualities. It is perfect for communion.

8 May 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Be Thou with Me (Bist du bei Mir)," by Johann Sebastian Bach. I truly love Bach's music. In this instance, I sing the English version of this very beautiful and deeply spiritual song. The original German lyrics were written by an anonymous lyricist and translated by Bernard Taylor.

1 May 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

24 April 2005, 10:00 a.m. mass - "For the Mountains Shall Depart," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

16 April 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "My Heart Ever Faithful," by Johann Sebastian Bach.

10 April 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Regina Caeli," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

3 April 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Deep River," an Afro-American funerary spiritual popularized by Paul Robeson. Pope John Paul II died yesterday.

13 March 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "The Call," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This song might be best described as a beautiful spiritual meditation with a folk flavor.

6 March 2005, 8:30 mass - "Vexila Regis," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin, appropriate for Lent.

27 February 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant that is perfect for Lent, sung in Latin.

12 February 2005, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Attende Domine," a Gregorian chant, written in the 10th Century, perfect for Lent, and sung in Latin.

6 February 2005, 8:30 mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

23 January 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria," the Schubert version, sung in Latin.

9 January 2005, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Panis Angelicus (Heavenly Manna)," by César Franck, sung in Latin. This piece has a simple but grand "cathedral sound."

2 January 2005, 8:30 a.m mass - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

26 December 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "In the Bleak Mid-winter," by Gustav Holst (1874-1934). The words of this beautiful song are the poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-94).

12 December 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "My Heart Ever Faithful," by Johann Sebastian Bach. Elsewhere in the service, I will also sing the chant "Creátor álme síderum," in both Latin and English.

5 December 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "For the Mountains Shall Depart," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

7 November 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

31 October 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Be Thou with Me (Bist du bei Mir)," by Johann Sebastian Bach. I truly love Bach's music. In this instance, I sing the English version of this very beautiful and deeply spiritual song. The original German lyrics were written by an anonymous lyricist and translated by Bernard Taylor.

24 October 2004, 8:30 mass - "Sheep May Safely Graze," a rich and melodic song by Johann Sebastian Bach, English translation (from the original German) by Katherine K. Davis.

3 October 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Vergin, Tutta Amor" (Virgin, Full of Grace), by Francesco Durante (1684-1755), slow and prayerful, sung in Italian.

26 September 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave verum," by Charles Gounod, sung in Latin. If you have never heard Gounod's version of this, you are in for a special treat. This is normally a choral piece, but I am singing the soprano part solo in a lower key.

19 September 2004, 10:00 a.m. mass - "The Call," by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This piece is from a larger work called "Five Mystical Songs." This song might be best described as a beautiful spiritual meditation with a folk flavor.

12 September 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ave Maria," a deeply graceful and rarely heard arrangement by César Franck, sung in Latin.

5 September 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Jubilate Deo," a lively, joyous choral piece by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin. In this instance, I am singing the soprano part solo (lowered a few notes, of course).

29 August 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Adoramus te Christe," a slow, graceful song by Theodore Dubois, sung in Latin.

22 August 2004, 8:30 a.m. masses - "Ave Maria." This is the world premiere of the Schubert version sung in Swahili, translated and arranged by Courtney Brown. If you like things that are "new," this definitely qualifies.

7 August 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Bwana Awabariki," a traditional African folk hymn sung in both Swahili and English, a light Summer favorite.

1 August 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Why do the nations so furiously rage together?" This aria is from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. (A highly pyrotechnic aria, it stands as one of Händel's most powerful, both in message and music. In this age of increasing global conflict, Händel's choice of words has never been more appropriate. The words are from Psalm 2, verses 1 and 2. If you have never heard this aria live, you may want to listen carefully this time.)

25 July 2004, 8:30 mass - "Sheep May Safely Graze," a rich and melodic song by Johann Sebastian Bach, English translation (from the original German) by Katherine K. Davis.

4 July 2004, 8:30 mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

27 June 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

13 June 2004, 8:30 mass - "Ave Verum," a Gregorian chant, sung in both Latin and Swahili. The Swahili is translated and arranged by Courtney Brown. This is the world premiere of this translation and arrangement.

6 June 2004, 8:30 mass - "Deep River," an Afro-American spiritual popularized by Paul Robeson, sung on this date because of the anniverary of D-Day and yesterday's death of Ronald Reagan.

30 May 2004, 8:30 mass - "Veni Creator Spiritus," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

23 May 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

2 May 2004, 8:30 mass - "Veni Creator Spiritus," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

25 April 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Regina Caeli," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

4 April 2004, 8:30 mass - "Ave Verum Corpus (No. 3)," by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Latin.

28 March 2004, 8:30 mass - "Vexila Regis," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

14 March 2004, 8:30 mass - "My Eyes for Beauty Pine," a slow, beautiful, and graceful classic by Herbert Howells.

7 March 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Attende Domine," a Gregorian chant, written in the 10th Century, perfect for Lent, and sung in Latin.

29 February 2004, 8:30 mass - "Shabbat Hamalka," a beautifully contempative Shabbat song, sung in Hebrew.

22 February 2004, 8:30 mass - "Baruch ata Adonai," a famous Shabbat song, sung in Hebrew.

8 February 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "For the Mountains Shall Depart," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

1 February 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Ubi Caritas," a Gregorian chant, sung in Latin.

25 January 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "O Rest in the Lord," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

11 January 2004, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "My Heart Ever Faithful," by Johann Sebastian Bach.

4 January 2004, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Behold, I tell you a mystery," recitative and aria, from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. (The return of a favorite Christmas treat!)

21 December 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Ave Maria." This is the Schubert version, but sung in Spanish.

14 December 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

6 December 2003, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Attende Domine," a Gregorian chant, written in the 10th Century and sung in Latin.

23 November 2003, 8:30 a.m. mass - "Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

16 November 2003, 10:00 a.m. mass - "Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth," an aria from the Elijah oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47).

2 November 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Rebekah," recitative and aria, a rarely heard piece with a grand sound by Joseph Barnby (1836-96).

12 October 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Ave Maria," a beautiful chant with a melody by Jacques Arcadelt, sung in Latin. (This is not the Schubert version.)

28 September 2003, 10:00 a.m. mass - "Behold, I tell you a mystery," recitative and aria, from The Messiah by G.F. Händel. (See if you can hold your breath as long as I have to sing those runs!)

7 September 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Good News," with the African melody by Almaz Belihu (Ethiopia) and text by Howard S. Olson.

31 August 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Bwana Awabariki," a traditional African folk hymn sung in both Swahili and English.

24 August 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Deep River," an Afro-American spiritual popularized by Paul Robeson.

3 August 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Thus Saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts," a piece with operatic pyrotechnics from The Messiah by G.F. Händel.

27 July 2003, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses - "Be Thou with Me (Bist du bei Mir)," by Johann Sebastian Bach. In this instance, I sing the English version.

20 July 2003, 10:00 a.m. mass - "Panis Angelicus (Heavenly Manna)," by César Franck, sung in Latin. This piece has a simple but grand "cathedral sound."