Music for Christmas from the Vatican, in MP3 format (all free)

The Vatican ^

[Stoat]

Here are pages from the Vatican website where free downloads of Christmas music are available.

Hymns for the Celebrations of the Liturgical Year, Pontifical Musical Chorus of the Sistine Chapel

Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music - The Musical Offering in MP3

 

Yes, I know that some may complain that this posting is too early in the year for a Christmas-related post, but there are a few reasons why I do this at this time:

• It takes some time to download, re-master, burn and package custom CD's.  I'm hoping that this thread can also serve as a forum for the exchange of information, tips and tricks on how to do this.  Many lovers of good music are not technical experts and will appreciate a friendly,  kind and helpful hand in working their way through the technical aspects of burning music CD's and in producing pleasing cover artwork.
• Many of us (myself included) have friends or relatives in Europe or elsewhere who might enjoy a CD of excellent Christmas music.  Such a CD needs to be produced and mailed well in advance of Christmas in order for the recipient to be able to enjoy the music during the Christmas season, given the slow pace of international mail.
• I am hoping that others may post additional links to free and legal Christmas music or artwork-related websites or sites that offer technical assistance on CD burning.

[swmobuffalo]

Thanks for the links. These are great. I don't suppose you know of a freeware program that I can use to remove voice tracks from Mp3's? I've tried a karaoke program and could never get it to work.

[Stoat]

Thanks for the links. These are great.

You're quite welcome and I'm delighted that you enjoy them  :-)

I don't suppose you know of a freeware program that I can use to remove voice tracks from Mp3's? I've tried a karaoke program and could never get it to work.

I'm no expert on audio but I'll take a stab at your question; If I'm wrong at any point, I hope that others will jump in to correct me.

My understanding is that when you are dealing with an MP3 audio file, it has already been downmixed into two distinct audio channels, Left and Right stereo, and the individual instrument and vocal tracks no longer exist as distinct, editable identities as this point.  Therefore, the concept of a 'vocal track' per se, does not exist in an MP3 file, only on the original master tape.

So, I believe that the only way to do this is via an equalizer, where you lower the gain of the audio frequencies that correspond to the vocal range in the given file.  The problem with this of course is that you will also eliminate any instruments that occupy that same range as the vocals do.  How objectionable this will be will depend upon the specific piece of music and your intended use for the end product.   If the instrument range goes far beyond the vocal range then you may have 'something' left, but if the instrument range is similar to that of the vocal range then you may not have much at all left to work with.

I did a web search for 'freeware audio equalizer" and got 726,000 hits, so it looks like there may be just a few to choose from if you want to give this a try   :-)

[swmobuffalo]

"I'll take a stab at your question"

Thanks! I have one program, I'll just have to fiddle with it and see what I come up with.

[Big Giant Head]

music from the Vatican pong

[Stoat]

Thanks! I have one program, I'll just have to fiddle with it and see what I come up with.

You're welcome and good luck, but I'm guessing that you may not be too happy with what you end up with because you will most likely have to remove so much frequency range in order to remove the vocal elements that what's left won't sound very appealing.

That's why there have always been "karaoke editions" of songs which are usually entirely new performances of pop songs, just without the vocals, as well as the old "Music Minus One" series of recordings which were marketed to musicians so that they can play along with orchestras and fill in the missing part...again, entirely new performances and done without a specific instrument.

[Stoat]

bttt

Thank you kindly; sincerely appreciated   :-)

[dsc]

But how do you download the files?

[Stoat]

But how do you download the files?

I'm very sorry to hear that you're having troubles.   I hope to be able to help.

As an example, when you doublelick on a selection title, you will be taken to a page that displays the lyrics as well as a symbol that looks like this

 

Click on the symbol that looks like the note pictured above and select a download location on your computer to save the file to.

This should initiate the download process to your specified location.

If you are still having troubles, please let me know   :-)

 

[dsc]

Okay, if I right-click on that button, I get the MP3. Thanks.

[right-wingin_It]

Here's is some more music, but for purchase...The Tridentine Masses for the various holidays..If you click on the CD, Christmas for instance, it will play a short selection from the CD.

[Stoat]

Okay, if I right-click on that button, I get the MP3. Thanks.

You're welcome!  I'm happy that you are able to make it work and I hope that you will enjoy the music.

[Stoat]

Here's is some more music, but for purchase...The Tridentine Masses for the various holidays..If you click on the CD, Christmas for instance, it will play a short selection from the CD.
 

Thank you!  These all look wonderful, and although I'm having trouble getting any of the selections to play, they appear to be of such high quality, at such a compelling price, that I would most likely not need to hear them before I would buy.

[DesScorp]

Thanks for the links...sent to Catholic and non-Catholic friends alike

[Stoat]

Thanks for the links...sent to Catholic and non-Catholic friends alike

You're quite welcome and I hope that you and your friends will all enjoy the music....I think that any thoughtful person would, regardless of their faith.

[Libertina]

Thank you, Stoat! :) Merry Christmas music BUMP :)

[Stoat]

Thank you, Stoat! :) Merry Christmas music BUMP :)

You're quite welcome!  I hope that you and yours will enjoy the music   :-)

[Libertina]

[Stoat]

What a beautiful sentiment, rendered with such beautiful graphics! Thank you so much for thinking of this scruffy old stoat at this most special time of the year; I am honored and made much richer by it.
Please know also that you and yours are in my thoughts, with the hope that the joys and wonder of Christmas will abound in your home and that you and yours will be Blessed with happiness and good fortune in the year to come.

[technochick99]

Bump for a later read.

[Stoat]

Bump for a later read.

Thanks....I hope that you will enjoy the music.

Merry Christmas to you and yours  :-)