Views from the Choir Loft

1936 Graduale (Dr. Franz Xavier Mathias)

Corpus Christi Watershed · March 19, 2013

HE FOLLOWING BOOK has been made available for free download courtesy of the Jean de Lalande Library. If you appreciate these efforts, please consider making a donation by using the link at the top of the page.

* * 1936 Dr. Franz Xavier Mathias Graduale (1 of 3)

VOL (1) : : Adventus, nativitatis, Epiphaniae usque ad Dominicam vi. post Epiphaniam. • Pages 1-139 •

* * 1936 Dr. Franz Xavier Mathias Graduale (2 of 3)

VOL (2) : : A septuagesima usque ad feriam VI. post octavam ascensionis. • Pages 141-355 •

* * 1936 Dr. Franz Xavier Mathias Graduale (3 of 3)

VOL (3) : : A vigilia Pentecostes usque ad Dominicam ultimam post Pentecosten. • Pages 357-490 •

• Organum Comitans ad Proprium de Tempore • quod JUXTA EDITIONEM VATICANAM HARMONICE ORNAVIT Dr. Fr. X. Mathias, Regens seminarii et professor musicae sacrae in academia wilhelma argentinensi • Fr. Xavier Mathias • 1936 Editio Quarta • Ratisbonae : Sumptibus Friderici Pustet •

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

Seven (7) Hymn Verses for November!

In the month of November, we remember in a special way the souls in purgatory. The BRÉBEUF HYMNAL often includes text alone versions for its hymns; why is that? The short answer is: flexibility. The “text only” version allows each choirmaster to employ a myriad of melodies. For example, I recently set the English translation of “De Profúndis” with the DAVOST MELODY (PDF). We are singing this before November ends. Indeed, you can hear our volunteer singing this (in real life) if you click here.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Worst Hymn Pairing Of All Time?

For hymns in the Brébeuf Portal not yet recorded by human voices, I’ve been attempting to create recordings on the pipe organ. My latest attempt (Mp3) is a hymn called “DAVOST.” It’s a nice tune, but it must be paired with just the right lyrics. Do sickening examples of hymn pairings exist? Oh, most certainly! To download the most ghastly pairing I know, try this one—if your stomach is strong enough. If such things interest you, check out: “Six Pernicious Hymn Pairings.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff’s Attempt at Pipe Organ “Stops”

I've been attempting to record some Brébeuf hymns on the pipe organ, but I know very little about registration (“stops”). You can listen to this morning's attempt, a recording of a tune called TRINITY COLLEGE. Do you know this tune? It's quite nice. Feel free to email me vis-à-vis the registration I chose. To quickly locate all instances of the TRINITY COLLEGE melody in the Brébeuf Hymnal, search the magic portal for “Trinity College.”

—Jeff Ostrowski