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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

The Tradition Continues! • Seven Organists Perform

Richard J. Clark · October 18, 2019

F YOU MISSED Leo Abbott’s rededication recital, here is another opportunity to hear him and several other wonderful organists perform at Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 3:00pm. This will be the Thirtieth Annual Cathedral Organ Benefit Recital—a remarkable streak!

For decades, Leo Abbott, Music Director and Organist Emeritus of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, has very generously invited multiple organists to play on fundraising recitals. These concerts were among my fondest memories, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow organists and those passionate about the music. This tradition must continue!

SEVEN ORGANISTS WILL PERFORM:
Carson Cooman composer-in-residence
The Memorial Church, Harvard University
Mark Dwyer The Church of the Advent
Dr. Janet E. Hunt Saint John’s Seminary, Boston
Peter Krasinski international concert organist
Rosalind Mohnsen Immaculate Conception, Malden
AND
Leo D. Abbott & Richard J. Clark Cathedral of the Holy Cross

• SUGGESTED DONATION: $20 | $10 for AGO Members, Seniors, and students Donations are gratefully accepted for the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the Cathedral’s historic E. & G. G. Hook and Hastings Opus 801 (1875)

• Download the concert poster here.

• Click here for specifications of the 101-rank E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 801

CONSIDER DONATING TO THE CATHEDRAL ORGAN RESTORATION FUND!
You can now donate online to the Cathedral Organ Restoration Fund here. You will receive an automated letter for tax purposes. You may also set up regular giving to assist with maintenance and tuning. Even $10 per month is a big help! This Fund was established by Leo Abbott in 1987 in memory of his father, Arthur J. Abbott.

ITH THE REMOVAL of carpeting and installation of marble and stone floors, the acoustic of the cathedral has been transformed. As such, the instrument is now being heard as it has never been in our lifetimes. Msgr. Kevin O’Leary’s opening remarks, prior to Leo Abbott’s recent rededication recital, was interrupted with wild applause. He could not finish this sentence: “During the renovation of the Cathedral, every bit of carpeting was removed and replaced with marble and stone…” Applause burst out here for what seemed like a few minutes! He continued: “…allowing this instrument to sing God’s praises more fully and gloriously.”

Soli Deo Gloria

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Pipe Organ 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

    Heretical Hymns
    As a public service, perhaps a theologian ought to begin assembling a heretical hymns collection. A liturgical book—for funerals!—published by the Collegeville Press contains this monstrosity by someone named “Delores Dufner.” I can’t tell what the lyrics are trying to convey—can you? I detest ‘hymns’ with lines such the one she came up with: “Let the thirsty come and drink, Share My wine and bread.” Somehow, the publication was granted an IMPRIMATUR by Most Rev’d Jerome Hanus (bishop of Saint Cloud) on 16 August 1989. It’s a nice tune, but paired with a nasty text!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    💲 5.00 💵
    Our tiny 501(c)3 nonprofit organization exists solely by generous readers who donate $5.00 per month. We have no endowment; we have no major donors; we run no advertisements; we have no savings. A donor wrote to us: “I so appreciate all you do and have done, and your generosity is unprecedented. I am honored to be able to make a monthly contribution.” Another monthly donor says: “Thank you for everything CC Watershed does. We are able to add so much solemnity to Holy Mass due to the resources made available here.” Can you spare a few dollars each month to help us survive?
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Dom Pothier • Photo from 1904
    Dom Paul Cagin, in a 1904 publication (L’oeuvre de Solesmes dans la restauration du chant grégorien) made sure to include a beautiful image of Dom Pothier, the legendary abbot of St-Wandrille. Also shown is a very young Dom André Mocquereau. Auguste Pécoul—considered the spiritual “son” of Abbat Prosper Guéranger of Solesmes—wrote as follows on 24 June 1901: “To forestall any confusion, let us remember that there is just one Gregorian notation—that restored, according to the ancient manuscripts, by the eminent Abbot of Saint-Wandrille, Dom Pothier.” ✠
    —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

“I would hope there is a place [at Mass] for the avant-garde in the same way I think there has to be a place—and we have to be careful with this—a place for Jazz and a place for Evangelical and all of that. […] On theological grounds, I do think we need interaction with the culture at the level of high art or at the level of more commercial pop culture.”

— Fr. Anthony Ruff (22 June 2016)

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.