Views from the Choir Loft

How to Read and Sing Gregorian Chant

Not everyone will agree with all the ideas, conclusions, and methods put forth below. However, it is hoped that some will find these lessons useful. As time goes on, the lessons will be expanded upon, with even more examples being included. Also, if readers notice errors and mistakes, these can be corrected. — Jeff Ostrowski, June 2012

With a little effort, anybody can learn how to read Gregorian chant! However, as a teacher, it is difficult to know where to begin and what progression to follow. No doubt some singers will, with profit, go through the following lessons “out of order.”

Lesson 1: The Principles of “Movable Do”

Lesson 2: Intervallic Relationships

Lesson 3: Do Clef and Fa Clef

Lesson 4: A Practical Example

Lesson 5: Names of the Notes

Lesson 6: The Vatican Edition of the Chant

Lesson 7: Syllabic Moræ Vocis in the Vatican Edition

Lesson 8: Salicus vs. Scandicus

Lesson 9: Ecclesiastical Pronunciation of Latin

Lesson 10: Modality and Psalm Tones

Lesson 11: Thoughts on Gregorian Rhythm

Rare Recordings from the 1904 Gregorian Congress:

Don Antonio Rella Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Gaudeamus” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Assumpta est Maria” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Communion • “Optimam partem” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Sequence • “Veni Sancte Spiritus” — Baron Rudolf Kanzler Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Sacerdotes” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Fac nos innocuam” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Resurrexi” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Gradual • “Haec Dies” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Pascha Nostrum” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

To be added at a later date:

Different Kinds of Chants (Introits, Graduals, Alleluias, Offertories, etc.)
The Origin of Written Music and the Early Gregorian MSS
Where to Learn More and Practice Chanting
In Depth Treatment of the Solesmes Ictus and Arsis & Thesis
Can Gregorian Chant be Sung in English?
Contemporary Scholarship and Its Challenges

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

“Sanctus VIII” • Organ Accompaniment

A few days ago, I composed this organ harmonization for SANCTUS VIII. This Mass is traditionally called Missa de ángelis or “Mass of the angels.” In French, it is Messe de Anges. You can evaluate my attempt to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ (click here) while singing the melody. My parish is currently singing this setting.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“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