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Views from the Choir Loft

What Exactly Is “Uninspired” Church Music?

Jeff Ostrowski · December 10, 2013

HILE STUDYING Musicology in graduate school, I was occasionally asked to give presentations on Gregorian chant at local universities. During one talk, a student raised his hand and said, “This is the third time you’ve used the word ‘uninspired.’ What precisely do you mean?” I confess that his question rather stumped me.

Since that time, I’ve often tried to come up with a good definition for uninspired. Regarding music, perhaps a good definition would be, “When the text and words don’t match.”

THE VIDEO IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER has an “ObamaCare” song that recently won first prize in a government-sponsored contest. Most people would hear it and say, “She’s got a bad voice.” However, I disagree. I think she’s a good singer, but her song is uninspired. It also has some technical flaws … e.g. “oblivious” doesn’t rhyme with “serious.” The entire thing (subject, melody, feel, gestures) doesn’t match. It’s an uninspired song.

People sometimes believe “uninspired” means “simple,” but that’s wrong. Melodies can be very simple, but still inspired. Recently, a colleague whom I respect sent me a video called Psallite Sapienter. It certainly does contain simple music … but (in my humble opinion) it’s completely without inspiration:

      * *  Psallite Church Music • “Once this music gets under your skin, there’s no turning back!”

Can you hear how predictable the melodies and rhymes are? I love simple music … but I hate predictable music. Furthermore, such music will quickly begin to grate, and great music should never grate. So, perhaps another definition of uninspired might be, “Music that sounds like it took about five seconds to compose.”

Speaking of uninspired, have you heard what they’re doing to Christmas carols these days? Click on the little “play” button underneath the album cover to hear what I mean:

      * *  What Child Is This? • Cody Carnes & Dianne Michelle

I’m certainly not opposed to inspired and tasteful new versions of great tunes, but what those people did (in the above link) is an abomination. I believe that sacred words demand a certain level of respect, and the way those people are singing sounds affected and erotic. Sorry.

AT THIS POINT, you’re probably saying, “Jeff, instead of being so negative, why don’t you provide us with an inspired setting?” I suppose I owe the reader that, but it’s not easy for me. You see, after a year or so, I always begin to hate my compositions … However, I suppose the Chabanel Psalm from yesterday’s Mass could be considered “not uninspired,” and here’s how it sounds:


Notice I hesitate to call my setting “inspired.” Calling one’s own composition “inspired” sounds so arrogant!

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Reform of the Reform 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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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

«In the same quarter where he was crucified there was a garden.» (John 19:41) — The word “garden” hinted at Eden and the fall of man, as it also suggested through its flowers in the springtime the Resurrection from the dead.

— Fulton J. Sheen

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