In 1955 I started the study of musical harmony. 3 years thereafter, I began losing my eyesight, and it was not until 1976 that I had my first of the two corneal transplants, and felt grateful to God, and I got back to composing music for the Church.
I have always believed, that we owe our Church to Jesus himself, and He who was poor, humble and noble, would like to see his followers also walking in His steps.
The religious texts used in the Catholic Liturgy are so ancient and noble, that any music set to portray these words should match its nobility. The modern styles fall far short of the magnificence of the texts. Church music evolved as musicians deeply rooted in faith composed our hymns and music. After the Vatican II, it was necessary to adapt the liturgy to local music and vernacular styles. Composers do not grow on trees. Thus we had a phase of making poor choices. The Protestants retained their ancient music, as their worship was always in their vernaculars. Catholics on the other hand had to make the switch from Latin to vernacular. It would be great, if Catholic musicians who aspire to compose, would look up to St. Cecilia for inspiration, rather than their local preferences. Always let music dress up the sacred words. If the dress does not suit the words, do not use it. Meditate on the words before composing. Let us have slow and grave music when we plead for mercy, and sing for joy in major chords, when we pray the Gloria. Let Sanctus - 'Holy' , portray the glory of heaven, and the faith of the saints residing around the throne of God. Let the accents of the words and the music fit each other, When composing hymns, portray first the teachings of Jesus, then you may also compose on prayers of pleading. We have more pleading, and no hymns which portray the teaching of Christ.
I wrote the hymns in the St. Cecilia's hymnal, primarily focussing on the words which Christ Himself taught us. My intention was, that His teachings would stick in our minds, through the lines of song.
In 1993, I had a unique opportunity to organize my first polyphonic choir in my parish church, and had to compose polyphony for most of the parish hymns. I wrote a special text book to teach sight reading to my choir members, who picked it in 30 lessons. It was an attempt which I had to give up after seven years due to ill health. In 2000 I had a mild stroke, and I transferred my attention to Internet, and have just discovered that I too can have my website, and share my joy with others.
I have not been able to offer you a professional quality of music. It is just to give you an idea. I do not make any profit out of this, and I hope you like the music, and if you like to have a score of the music, please let me know. Just drop in your request in my mail box. I shall see how we can help each other.
May God bless all his creatures in this world, irrespective of who they are.
Walter Pais