• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

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.”

  • Donate
  • Our Team
    • Our Editorial Policy
    • Who We Are
    • How To Contact Us
    • Sainte Marie Bulletin Articles
    • Jeff’s Mom Joins Fundraiser
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • KYRIALE • Saint Antoine Daniel
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Repository • “Spanish Music”
    • Ordinary Form Feasts (Sainte-Marie)
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Catechism of Gregorian Rhythm
    • Father Enemond Massé Manuscripts
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Secrets of the Conscientious Choirmaster
    • “Wedding March” for lazy organists
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
    • The Eight Gregorian Modes
    • Gradual by Pothier’s Protégé
    • Seven (7) Considerations
Views from the Choir Loft

Famous Conductor Fired Because He Refused To Sing Hymn

Jeff Ostrowski · February 16, 2013

PON FIRST READING the below letter, I was shocked. Initially, I was shocked that such a letter, containing as it does “personal business,” would be printed in the Sacred Music Journal (Winter of 2002). That just seems like a really bad idea. However, as I pondered this letter, I realized that this was one of the best letters that could be printed, as it shows the type of struggles and hurt feelings that choirmasters must endure.

The reader might be very surprised that I am not angry at the priest (see below). As a matter of fact, I see both sides of the “problem” or “argument” or whatever. This is nothing new. This happens all the time.

For this reason, I have renewed in my heart the desire to create a series of articles on “Views from the Choir Loft,” formulating a type of “contract” between priest and musician. I don’t know how many articles I will write: maybe five, maybe fifty. I will think of some clever heading, which will make it easier for folks to find all the articles and read them in succession. Believe it or not, I really have thought about this subject A LOT over the years. I will explain my thoughts and opinions, which mainly come from real experiences in my life.

However, for now, I will simply reproduce the letter, and invite you to read it over and think about it. If you prefer to read the original, it is here [pdf].

A sad form letter sent out October 29th by Mr. Dean Applegate:

“As you may have already heard, Cantores in Ecclesia is no longer in residence at St. Patrick’s Church in Northwest Portland. The decision to leave was made in response to memoranda from the pastor, Fr. James Mayo, on the 7th of October. One memo contained his ultimatum regarding the replacement of Gregorian Introits and Graduals with opening hymns and responsorial psalms at the Saturday evening Latin Mass. In this memo he also gave deadlines for these changes to be implemented: Saturday, October 12 for the Introit and Saturday, October 19 for the Gradual. The other memo from Fr. Mayo forbade the use of the choir room for music lessons, effective Monday, October 21.

“On the 15th of October, I received an additional memo from Fr. Mayo, ‘Just double checking to make sure we are both on the same page about music this coming weekend. It is my expectation that there will be an Entrance/Gathering Hymn and some kind of Responsorial Psalm. This is predicated, based on your memo of last week, on your continuing here at St. Patrick’s. Thank you for your cooperation.’

“After much soul searching and consultation with members of the choir and board of directors, I decided that Fr. Mayo’s restrictions regarding the liturgy and the choir’s use of facilities were not acceptable. I notified him about this decision in a letter of October 17. At that time I also requested that the choir be permitted to sing through the month of October because services had already been advertised in our monthly newsletter. On the same day I got a further memo from Fr. Mayo informing me that the choir would be permitted to sing on Saturday, October 19, but that this would be our last Mass at St. Patrick’s.

The Saturday evening Mass on the 19th was a most gratifying and poignant experience for Cantores in Ecclesia. The sadness of the occasion was underlined by Fr. Mayo’s announcement at the end of the service that he was cancelling the Latin Mass …”

The website for Cantores in Ecclesia is cantoresinecclesia.org [url].

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

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).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “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
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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

Random Quote

“We know that originally the offertories of the repertoire included a series of verses, just like the introit and the communion, but generally more ornate. Many of these are musical compositions of great beauty. They quickly fell into disuse, and we find them only in the most ancient manuscripts. The only remaining trace of this older arrangement in our present-day liturgy is that of the offertory of the Requiem Mass.”

— Dom Joseph Gajard (1956)

Recent Posts

  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • Brave Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
  • “Cracker Barrel & Catholicism” • Logos and Lessons
  • “Reform of the Reform” officially embraced by USCCB
  • “The Worm That Dieth Not”

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2025 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

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.