I can't remember ever having heard a more moving liturgy than tonight's Good Friday Solemn Mass at St. Thomas Church, sung by the Choir of Men and Boys. The Passion of St. John was sung in plainchant; the Veneration of the Cross was accompanied by the pristine, almost painfully beautiful music of Victoria, Gesualdo and Byrd. It felt more like a concert than a church service.

I don't know if I entirely agree with French writer Rene Guénon's contention that western music has been in a downward spiral since Plainsong, from which it has not recovered. But I can see where he's coming from.