Views from the Choir Loft

Impatiently Awaiting the Publication of the English Translation of von Hildebrand’s Aesthetics

Gwyneth Holston · December 16, 2013

ccording to the Dietrich von Hildebrand Legacy Project website, volume I of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s writings on aesthetics was translated this year. How thrilling! I believe it will be a work of intense interest to Catholic artists and musicians.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of discovering the writings of Dietrich von Hildebrand or his esteemed wife, Dr. Alice von Hildebrand, I encourage you to read his biography, Soul of a Lion. It is the story of the brilliant son of a famous sculptor and his growth from a childhood immersed in a pagan appreciation of beauty to an adulthood focused on the Christian notion of beauty. An outspoken idealist and philosopher, von Hildebrand was hunted by the Nazis during World War II until he escaped to America.

Dietrich von Hildebrand’s father was the sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand who wroteThe Problem of Form in Painting and Sculpture in 1907. It is a excellent treatise for artists on the depiction of three-dimensional space.

Each summer, the Dietrich von Hildebrand Legacy Project hosts a summer seminar to promote study of his writings and ideas. I went last summer and enjoyed the week immensely. It was astonishing to see how the writings of one man brought together professionals from such fields as philosophy, theology, education, and the arts.

Watch the video below to see the highlights from last year’s program:

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

About Gwyneth Holston

Gwyneth Holston is a sacred artist who works to provide and promote good quality Catholic art. Her website is gwynethholston.com. Read more.

“Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“The Worm That Dieth Not”

My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.

—Jeff Ostrowski

A Nice Hymn In Spanish

In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Pius XII Hymnal?

Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Hybrid” Chant Notation?

Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.

—Corpus Christi Watershed