Views from the Choir Loft

Essential Resources • Psalm Tones for Mass Propers

Jeff Ostrowski · June 15, 2016

Additional Psalm Verses for the Communion antiphons:

* * [40 pages] • PSALMS FOR COMMUNION (Solesmes, 1957)

* * [232 pages] • VERSUS PSALMORUM ET CANTICORUM (Solesmes, 1962)

* * [307 pages] • Richard Rice «COMMUNIO» (CMAA, 2008)

Notice that “Versus Psalmorum” (1962) also contains extra verses for the introit!

Simple Settings for the Gradual, Tract, and Alleluia verse:

* * [257 pages] • CHANTS ABRÉGÉS (Solesmes, 1930)

* * [290 pages] • CHANTS ABRÉGÉS (Solesmes, 1955)

* * [111 pages] • LIBER BREVIOR EXCERPT (Solesmes, 1954)

The Church Music Association of America has also posted a fabulous resource (“Simplified Graduale”) by Richard Rice in booklet form and also in portrait.

Extra Verses for the Offertory chants:

* * [186 pages] • FULL VERSES by Carl Ott (1935)

* * [36 pages] • SIMPLE OFFERTORY VERSES (Richard Rice)

As I mentioned in my Symposium speech, those interested in adapting the Gregorian psalm tones for English should first study the above resources to understand Gregorian psalmody. Moreover, they should visit the Lalande Online Library and download all the books called “Psalmi in Notis.”

Most of these files were scanned & posted by the CMAA.

The CMAA new policy (22 April 2015) allows reposting when credit is given.

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).

PDF Download • Offertory (9 Nov.)

This year, the feast of 9 November replaces the Sunday. The OFFERTORY ANTIPHON (PDF file) for 9 November is exceedingly beautiful. The ‘Laterani’ mansion at Rome was the popes’ residence for a thousand years. The church there still is the cathedral church of Rome—“Mother and Head of all churches of the City and of the World,” says the inscription over the entrance. It is dedicated to Our Holy Savior, but has long been commonly known as “St. John Lateran” owing to its famous baptistery of St. John the Baptist. In this church, the pope’s own ‘cathedra’ (episcopal chair) stands in the apse.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Job Opening • $65,000 per year +

A parish 15 minutes away from me is looking for a choir director and organist. The parish is filled with young families. When I began my career, I would have jumped at such an opportunity! Saint Patrick’s in Grand Haven has a job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year including benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” I lived in Kansas for 15 years, Texas for 10 years, and Los Angeles for 10 years. Michigan is the closest place I know to heaven!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Reminder” — Month of November (2025)

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. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)

We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Our Father” • Musical Setting?

Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?

—Jeff Ostrowski

New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.

—Jeff Ostrowski