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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Free Download • “Liber Usualis” PDF Online (Solesmes, 1961)

Corpus Christi Watershed · March 19, 2013

*  Brébeuf Hymnal • “What Experts Are Saying”
(Testimonials from authorities on Sacred Music.)

ANY PEOPLE think they need the Liber Usualis, but might actually prefer the Graduale if they knew about it. The Liber Usualis is (of course) the “Vatican Edition” (Editio Vaticana), but with rhythmic signs added by Dom André Mocquereau in 1908 (and not one of these marks was ever changed in a subsequent edition, even 100 years later). If you don’t understand what the “Vatican Edition” is, please watch these videos or read this article. Anyway, here’s an online PDF copy of the 1961 Liber Usualis published by the monks of Solesmes:

* *  Liber Usualis (Solesmes, 1961) • free PDF

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Liber Usualis book scan courtesy of Jeffrey Tucker.

If you like the Liber Usualis, you should download the 1957 version that includes English Translations:

* *  1957 Solesmes Liber Usualis with English Translations

“LIBER USUALIS” DESCRIPTION:
The 1961 Edition of the “Liber Usualis” by the Benedictines of the Solesmes Monastery • The “Liber Usualis” contains the complete Latin settings of Gregorian Chant for every Mass of the year (Sundays, Solemnities, Commons and Feasts) as well as for Nuptial Masses, Requiem Masses, Holy Week, and Ordination. Additionally it provides much of the Gregorian Chant to be sung in Latin for the Divine Office (Vespers, Compline, etc.), as well as many other traditional Latin chants and hymns (Litanies, Benediction, and so forth). • Gregorian Chant for Every Mass of the Year • There’s no such thing as a “1962” Liber Usualis, because the 1962 Liber Usualis is identical to the 1961 version +

Our Articles • Some Examples

*   June 19, 2022   PDF Download • “Polyphony For Choirs” (262 Pages)

Enjoy this tiny “reward” for your phenomenal response to our fundraiser. Read more →

*   June 11, 2022   Composing Your Own Antiphons?

In the days before Vatican II, dioceses had their own special feast days. Read more →

*   June 9, 2022   New Release! • “Missa de Beata Virgine” (Kevin Allen)

As singers performed this Kevin Allen piece, they wept—but crying is bad for singing technique! Read more →

*   June 8, 2022   “Chorister Summer Camp” • Eight Ideas

Every choirmaster should place a high priority on recruitment, otherwise in time he commits a form of “choral contraception”… Read more →

*   June 7, 2022   “An Unknown Parishioner Approached Me…”

Can modern composers write hymns? Are they stirring? Read more →

*   June 1, 2022   The Official Chant Rhythm • “How Does It Sound?”

“The Vatican Edition … contains absolutely all that is needed for the exact rendition of the liturgical chant.” —Sacred Congregation of Rites (1911) Read more →

*   May 26, 2022   PDF Download • “Spanish TLM Missal” (2,288 pages)

A french version (1,798 pages) is also available for free PDF download. Read more →

*   May 21, 2022   PDF Download • “A Canon Choirs Love!”

You will notice Father Guerrero takes the chant melody (“Beata Mater”) and creates a perfect canon between Soprano and Alto. Read more →

*   May 18, 2022   PDF Download • “O Salutaris” (Modern Setting)

If there's a more beautiful setting of this text, I don't know what it could be. Read more →

*   May 17, 2022   PDF Download • 2022 “Vespers Booklet” (99 Pages)

If you spot typos, please let us know! Read more →

*   May 16, 2022   “Playing the Pipe Organ” • By Richard Nixon

Does the music of Franz Liszt belong to Adolf Hitler? Read more →

*   May 3, 2022   “Repertoire Page” • Sacred Music Symposium 2022

Sign up today! A few voice parts still have openings. Read more →

*   April 23, 2022   Choir Directors • “Is It Worth The Struggle?”

The choir director's vocation is chock-full of difficulties. Read more →

*   April 6, 2022   “Victimæ Paschali Laudes” • Nineteen (19) Organ Accompaniments

Including a remarkable musical setting by Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923). Read more →

*   April 2, 2022   “Hymn To Saint Joseph” • (Rec. 4/2/2022)

Certainly the only “Eucharistic” hymn to Saint Joseph I know! Read more →

*   April 1, 2022   Gregorian Chant • “Its True & Authentic Rhythm”

For this coming Sunday (Passion Sunday), there’s only one “MMV” singers must observe—and I placed a little arrow above it. Read more →

*   March 24, 2022   “Extraordinary Form” • Is This Name Still Allowed?

Fulton J. Sheen reminded us: “Many a pontiff goes through life without making a single infallible decision … not one.” Read more →

*   March 9, 2022   “Church Music” • Opportunity of a Lifetime!

We’ve streamlined our application process; register online today! Read more →

*   March 9, 2022   PDF • “Hymn Suggestions For Each Sunday”

The conscientious choirmaster takes people where they are and then—carefully and prudently—leads them to something higher. Read more →

*   March 8, 2022   “Like None Other!” • New Three-Voice Collection

I could not function as a choirmaster without this collection. Read more →

*   March 5, 2022   IMPORTANT • Stunning News From Rome!

In this meeting—and subsequent statement—Pope Francis made it clear that institutes like the FSSP are not affected by “Traditionis Custodes.” Read more →

*   March 2, 2022   Does Your Musical Program Have Balance?

What I've labeled “musical diversity” could also be thought of as “balance.” Read more →

*   February 22, 2022   PDF Download • No More OCP “Breaking Bread”

This powerful response—by a Catholic priest—is without question one of the most fascinating things I've ever read. Read more →

*   February 18, 2022   Eucharistic Hymn • By a Jesuit Martyr Priest

English has words whose meanings directly contradict each other (such as “cleave” or “sanction”). Read more →

*   February 16, 2022   Sound superb! … with just 2 minutes of rehearsal

I'm someone who harbors an irrational fear of anything I'm not familiar with. Read more →

*   February 9, 2022   70 Sample Pages • “New Era Of Church Music”

Also included are three (3) versions of the Stations of the Cross, by Fulton J. Sheen, Cardinal Ratzinger, and Alphonsus Liguori. Read more →

*   February 1, 2022   “Sample Pages” • Campion Missal (2022 edition)

Sophia Institute Press has made a huge announcement regarding the 3rd edition. Read more →

*   January 30, 2022   “Boston Globe” features Richard J. Clark

The music of Mæstro Clark was featured in the “Metro Section,” which has a tremendous circulation. Read more →

*   January 19, 2022   100% Scrolling Score • “What Exactly Is Vespers?”

For those who have never experienced Vespers, an answer like that comes across as “gobbledygook.” Read more →

*   January 17, 2022   “Hymns for Small Choirs” • The Season of Epiphany

Destroying the season of Epiphany was in direct disobedience to Vatican II. Read more →

*   January 11, 2022   Small Choir Repertoire: “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” (Two Voices)

My brother immediately said: “I would never use this; it's terrible, Jeff.” — And he was correct! Read more →

*   December 21, 2021   “Benedictus” (Missa Iste Sanctus) • All voices recorded by Corrinne May

Vatican II said: “The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care” (SC §114). Read more →

*   December 18, 2021   Archbishop Roche: What the Ordinary Form “has to learn” from the Extraordinary Form

“The Extraordinary Form is another expression (older than the 1969 Missal) and is a valid expression of the Church's liturgy.” —Arthur Roche Read more →

*   December 9, 2021   Archbishop Lefebvre Pushed For Vernacular Readings?

Louis Bouyer—the priest chosen to compose “Eucharistic Prayer II”—condemned the liturgical reforms when he saw the results. Read more →

*   November 15, 2021   Fabulous Repertoire For Tiny Choirs!

During November, our parish sings hymns to Christ the King, All Saints, and the Faithful Departed. Read more →

*   November 8, 2021   Missa “My Little Pony” by Dan Schutte • Its Pedigree

A USCCB statement: singing psalms at Mass “may create problems” … ? Read more →

*   November 3, 2021   PDF Download • “Four Easy Pieces” (Smaller Choirs)

Including more information about the “Pope Pius XII Hymnal.” Read more →

*   November 2, 2021   Cardinal Cupich Publicly Demands Greater Use Of Latin & Gregorian Chant At Chicago Masses

No sane person would claim that tunes by Marty Haugen, David Haas, or Rory Cooney constitute polyphony. Read more →

*   October 26, 2021   “Breathtaking Beauty” • Hymn for Christ the King

John Newton—who wrote “Amazing Grace”—was a slave trader, but ended up being caught and made a slave himself! Read more →

*   October 21, 2021   PDF Download • “Did Vatican II Reform The Mass?”

Three (3) bullet points, written on a single sheet of paper. Read more →

*   October 19, 2021   Huge Announcement! • “Three Voiced Polyphony”

Once these songs get into your head, they won't leave easily—but that's okay! Read more →

*   October 14, 2021   Seriously?? • An Anglican “Halloween Hymn”

Actual hymn lyrics: “Is it spooky? Is it weird?” Read more →

*   October 13, 2021   Seven Solutions • “Getting Catholics Singing Again”

At the conservatory, we're surrounded by hundreds of professional musicians; but stepping into a Catholic parish the situation is quite different. Read more →

*   October 5, 2021   Two Hymns Loved By Everyone … Except Purists!

Fulton J. Sheen: “In those days there were no scandal columns, but there were scandalmongers.” Read more →

*   September 28, 2021   PDF Download • “Can A Hymnal Be Too Catholic?”

Can Protestant translations be dangerous? This paper presents items worth considering. Read more →

*   September 24, 2021   “Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 3 of 3

The ability of your singers to sight-read music instantly does not guarantee a good performance. Read more →

*   September 21, 2021   “A Truly Eucharistic Hymn” • Christ the King (SATB)

Did Vatican II “restore” the hymns—as mandated by §93 of Sacrosanctum Concilium? Read more →

*   September 19, 2021   Clarion Call To All Choirmasters! • (26 Sept.)

Forty images of (IMHO) the patron saints of church musicians. Read more →

*   September 14, 2021   PDF Download • Three Myths About Hymns

Did you know Catholics began translating hymns from Latin into the vernacular about 400 years before the Protestant Revolution? Read more →

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

Filed Under: Articles, Featured, PDF Download Tagged With: 1962 Liber Usualis Solesmes, PDF download Liber Usualis Last Updated: September 16, 2021

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Quick Thoughts

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
7 June 2022 • FEEDBACK

From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

No concession should ever be made for the singing of the Exsultet, in whole or in part, in the vernacular.

— ‘Fr. Augustin Bea, S.J. in the years immediately before the Second Vatican Council’

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