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Views from the Choir Loft

Disney’s “That Darn Cat,” Life Teen Masses, and More

Jeff Ostrowski · May 28, 2013

USIC AND SOUNDS have a strong influence on the way we feel. I’ve never understood the following argument (which I’ve heard with my own ears numerous times while taking part in panel discussions):

All music is equal. We cannot say one music or one style is better than another. We cannot say that a particular style of music is more appropriate for worship. The notion that a certain type of music which developed in Europe over the centuries is “better” for Mass is offensive.

It seems obvious to me that different musical styles have entirely different effects. Listen to the music in this excerpt from Walt Disney’s That Darn Cat (a great movie, by the way!):


Here’s an article about “Life Teen” Masses, which includes many quotes from Dr. William Mahrt of Stanford:

      * *  2008 Article on Life Teen Masses [pdf]

I’m not going to comment on the article (it would take forever!) but feel free to do so in the combox if you wish. By the way, many quotes in the article seem to be drawn directly from the Watershed Documentary Sacred, Beautiful, & Universal.

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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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“It is true that I have a preference for those who are discarded,” said Francis, for he is a humble man and would be the first to admit it.

— Tim Stanley, writing for “The Telegraph” on 13 March 2023

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