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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Composing Heals a Heavy Heart

Richard J. Clark · October 18, 2013

USIC HEALS THE BROKEN HEART. Composing in fact, does wonders in this area. One note—one subtle change of dissonance and resolution, of tension and release—can alter the complexion of spirit. One unnoticed change of harmony can cry out to God our inmost pleading of unspeakable human emotion. One note can express the prayer we cannot or dare not put to words.

The creative act, especially in a defined prayerful structure, can sometimes uncover a wounded heart, one that is buried under its own weight. Therefore, composition is an act of prayer and release for a heart in bondage. This prayer need not be a great masterwork. Music in service to God—even for a humble group of singers—may heal and lift those weighed down. This may include the composer as well!

Meanwhile, consider composing an antiphon, and then a simple psalm tone. (Perhaps do this every week? You may become transformed!) Keep in mind, the “limitations” of liturgical structure are in fact not limitations at all, but a roadmap that leads to more focused prayer. This in turn can lead to delightful surprises both musical and spiritual.

For the antiphons and their psalms draw the composer into their wondrous revelations. The psalms expose humanity in all of its frailty and depth. The psalmist unapologetically proclaims the joyful praise of God, the distress of suffering, and the acceptance of total dependance on God. All of these things are found in the psalms ready to be rediscovered again and again in music and prayer.

Finally, here is a simple offering for Communion for this Sunday. It is simple, and I hope it can humbly serve in prayer:

Free Download:
PDF • Domine, Dominus noster | Communion Antiphon | 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • “Atténde Dómine”
    Although it isn’t nearly as ancient as other hymns in the plainsong repertoire, Atténde Dómine, et miserére, quía peccávimus tíbi (“Look down, O Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against Thee”) has become one of the most popular hymns for LENT—perhaps because it was included in the famous Liber Usualis of Solesmes. This musical score (PDF file) has an incredibly accurate version in English, as well as a nice version in Spanish, and also the original Latin. Although I don’t claim to have a great singing voice, this morning I recorded this rehearsal video.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (1st Sunday of Lent)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday—22 February 2026—the 1st Sunday of Lent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the outstanding feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin. I spent an enormous amount of time preparing this ORDER OF MUSIC—because the children’s choir will join us—and some of its components came out great. For example, the COMMUNION ANTIPHON with Fauxbourdon is utterly resplendent, yet still ‘Lenten’.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    2-Voice Arrangement for Lent
    Those seeking a two-voice arrangement for LENT and PASSIONTIDE should click here and scroll down. It’s based on number 775 in the Brébeuf Hymnal, with an enchanting melody written by Kevin Allen (the legendary American composer of sacred music). That text—“Pendens In Crucis Cornibus”—is often used for the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows. That link is important because, in addition to the musical score, it provides free rehearsal videos for each individual voice: something volunteer choirs appreciate!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Reminder” — Month of Febr. (2026)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
    I will go to my grave without understanding the lack of curiosity so many people have about the rhythmic modifications made by Dom André Mocquereau. For example, how can someone examine this single sheet comparison chart and at a minimum not be curious about the differences? Dom Mocquereau basically creates a LONG-SHORT LONG-SHORT rhythmic pattern—in spite of enormous and overwhelming manuscript evidence to the contrary. That’s why some scholars referred to his method as “Neo-Mensuralist” or “Neo-Mensuralism.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Simplified)
    I admire the harmonization of “Adeste Fideles” by David Willcocks (d. 2015), who served as director of the Royal College of Music (London, England). In 2025, I was challenged to create a simplified arrangement for organists incapable of playing the authentic version at tempo. The result was this simplified keyboard arrangement (PDF download) based on the David Willcocks version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Feel free to play through it and let me know what you think.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“The Humanists abominated the rhythmical poetry of the Middle Ages from an exaggerated enthusiasm for ancient classical forms and meters. Hymnody then received its death blow as, on the revision of the Breviary under Pope Urban VIII, the medieval rhythmical hymns were forced into more classical forms by means of so-called corrections.”

— ‘Father Clemens Blume, S.J.’

Recent Posts

  • The Weekday Communions of Lent
  • PDF Download • “Atténde Dómine”
  • “Chant Is Not a Penitential Act” • Lenten Reflection by Daniel Marshall
  • (Ash Wednesday) • Medieval Illumination Depicting the Distribution of Ashes
  • Music List • (1st Sunday of Lent)

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