Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • New Composition By Kevin Allen

Jeff Ostrowski · January 1, 2016

ATERSHED COMMISSIONED the following setting from composer Kevin Allen to help 2016 begin on the right foot. We hope you enjoy what he’s done with this famous hymn text. I particularly enjoyed the Alto line, and took the liberty of creating some unauthorized rehearsal videos to help amateur choirs. (You’ll find them at the bottom of the page.)

* * PDF Download • “JESU DULCIS MEMORIA”

To learn more about this composer, please visit Emporium Kevin Allen.

1. Jesu dulcis memória,
Dans vera cordis gáudia:
Sed super mel et ómnia,
Ejus dulcis praeséntia.

1. Sweet is the remembrance of Jesus, bringing man his heart’s true joy; but sweet beyond honey and all created bliss is His presence.

2. Nil cánitur suávius,
Nil audítur jucúndius,
Nil cogitátur dúlcius,
Quam Jesus Dei Fílius.

2. No theme is more agreeable in the singing, none more welcome in the hearing, none more comforting in thought than Jesus, the Son of God.

3. Jesu spes paeniténtibus,
Quam pius es peténtibus!
Quam bonus te quaeréntibus!
Sed quid inveniéntibus?

3. Jesus, hope of penitent souls, how gracious You are to those that ask, how good to those that seek; but who shall say what You are to those that find?

4. Nec lingua valet dícere,
Nec líttera exprímere:
Expértus potest crédere,
Quid sit Jesum dilígere.

4. No tongue can tell this, nor pen express it; but the one who has experience of it can know in his heart what it means to love Jesus.

5. Sis Jesu nostrum gáudium,
Qui es futúrus praémium:
Sit nostra in te glória,
Per cuncta semper saécula.

5. Jesus, one day to be our reward, be our joy in this life. May our glory be in You through all eternity.

Literal translation by Fr. Joseph Connelly.

REHEARSAL VIDEOS :

EQUAL VOICES : YouTube • Mp3 Audio

SOPRANO : YouTube • Audio

ALTO : YouTube • Audio

TENOR : YouTube • Audio

BASS : YouTube • Audio

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

About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”

My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”

From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). 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 conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Pius XII Hymnal?

Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Hybrid” Chant Notation?

Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Our Christian people regard with great joy everything that contributes to the splendor of the ceremonies. Jesus—who was poor in His private life—received ointment on His feet. See Thomas Aquinas (Prima Secundae, q. 102, art. 5, ad 10) and the holy Curé of Ars. The Church has always loved beautiful churches, and so forth. We must preserve our sacred patrimony and make sure sacred objects do not become secular possessions.”

— Abbot & Council Father denouncing “noble simplicity” during Vatican II