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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

In Search Of Polyphonic Recordings By Good Choirs

Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2013

I am looking to add a few CDs to my collection of Renaissance polyphony recordings. Can you help me? Here are the criteria:

1. Must have been composed between 1530 and 1600.

If most of the pieces on the recording are between those dates, we’re good!

2. No instruments, please.

Just FYI, I’ve heard all the arguments for and against accompanying Renaissance polyphony with instruments.

3. Lesser known pieces and composers would be appreciated.

I don’t desire another recording of Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli.

4. Really, really good choirs.

If possible, no amateur choirs. Thanks!

5. Please don’t say Tallis Scholars.

While I admire many things about the Tallis Scholars, many of their recordings sound “top heavy” to my ears. In other words, the soprano lines are way out of proportion with the other voices. My concept of “polyphony” is that all the voices are more or less equal. I don’t like when the soprano section predominates. Somebody told me the director of the Tallis Scholars is married to one of the main soprano singers, but I’ve never been able to verify this. If true, maybe that explains it.

6. Don’t be shy!

Please let me know your suggestions in the combox below. Thanks! I owe you one!

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
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

Random Quote

We cannot exaggerate our indebtedness to Dr. Julian’s “Dictionary of Hymnology,” a monumental work, without which we could not have reached the high standard of accuracy, as to both texts and authorship, which we set before us when entering upon our labours.

— Committee for “New English Hymnal” (1906)

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