Views from the Choir Loft

1909 Schwann Graduale Romanum

Corpus Christi Watershed · March 19, 2013

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* * 1909 Schwann Graduale Romanum (PDF)

• Römisches Gradualbuch : : Auszug aus der vatikanischen Ausgabe des GRADUALE ROMANUM mit deutscher Übersetzung der Rubriken und Texte • Author: Ausgabe Schwann U1 • Publishing Information: Düsseldorf : : Druck und Verlag von L. Schwann : : 1909 (is the general assumption) • 1909 Graduale Romanum in Gregorian Notation by Schwann. • Imprimatur in 1909 by Dr. Kreutzwald, as well as a 1907 and 1908 decree. That’s probably why the library says it was published in 1909 •

This is identical to the 1908 edition (and the typesetting was xerox copied in 1953 by Abbot Urbanus Bomm, O.S.B., Karl Gustav Fellerer, and Msgr. Johannes Overath) except that this 1908 edition—which is called “Editio Schwann U1” instead of “Editio Schwann P”—contains along the bottom of each page a translation of the Latin into German.

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

“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.” You can access it conveniently at this website; 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

“Music List” • 21st in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Our choir returns on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for it, which is the 21st 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. When it comes to the feast of the Assumption (15 August 2025), I have uploaded the music list for that Mass—but not the “bi-lingual” Mass in the evening (Spanish, Latin, and English) which has completely different music.

—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