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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Mass in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea

Richard J. Clark · May 30, 2014

UITE SIMPLY PUT, to meet composer, conductor, and organist Michael Olbash is to encounter a gentleman at ease in the modern world, a man both unassuming and understated in gesture and words. Only in time does he reveal the depth and breadth of his talent, intellect, personality, and great humor. (His modest comportment requires this long and drawn out revelation; his actions speak with concise clarity.) One discovers he is a man of enormous personality, for Michael is extraordinarily passionate about God, his family, and the liturgy.

It is no wonder that from such a man comes a mass setting of both unassuming stature and simplicity, but yet carries the weight of the sacred mysteries in its powerful melodic gestures and harmonic foundations. Chant melody and harmony flow without the listener consciously recognizing their natural union; both uphold the sacred text in the natural order of prayer.

DOWNLOAD Complete Score:
PDF • Mass in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea (for Schola, Organ)
• For transpositions or congregation inserts Click here to contact Michael Olbash via Email.

Its origins are quite notable on three fronts: It was composed to be performed by the Blackstone Valley Catholic Youth Choir, a group Olbash founded dedicated to teaching children Gregorian Chant. Secondly, it was composed in 2010, dedicated to His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley on the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Thirdly, it was premiered at the New Music session at the 2010 CMAA colloquium at Duquesne.

Very intentional with the structure of the melody and the work’s liturgical functionality, Olbash indicates the following:

• Each movement intentionally uses a “gathering tone” in the style of Dr. Theodore Marier.
• Each invocation of the Kyrie is progressively longer, in imitation of the Gregorian style.
• The Gloria, in addition to borrowing from “Ave Maris Stella,” has three similar “peaks” where short series (i.e. we praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you) sort of “ramp up” to a climax (“we give you thanks for your great glory”). The other peaks are “you are seated” and “you alone”. There is also a sneaky little use of the opening of the Ave Maria chant at the words “for you alone.” The two iterations of the Lord’s Name are also both designed to allow for a stretching of tempo for congregations who have a custom of bowing, cresc. (or dim.) on the Lord’s Name, etc.
• The score is published in a key friendly for most congregations; however, the sound clips are a step higher so that they would be most suitable for children’s voices.

Listen here to the Gloria recorded at St. Paul’s in Harvard Square with none other than John Robinson on organ.

Each movement is unique, based on different melodic elements; yet there is continuity and unity. Furthermore, each movement naturally fits within the proper shape of the liturgy, something Michael understands quite well. A wonderful example is the recording of the Preface and Sanctus. Of this Michael writes:

“The Sanctus, based on the preface tone, is an hommage to the simple English chant settings of the Sanctus by Theodore Marier found in his landmark hymnal, “Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs.”

Listen here to the Preface and Sanctus. The recording features the dialogue and preface for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Revel in the relationship between the two, flowing not simply as separate sections, but a natural progression revealing the organic unity of the liturgy:

ASS IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, STAR OF THE SEA is a true gem for any parish and schola. It possesses unity, continuity, and balance. There is enough simplicity to be accessible, yet filled with artistic depth and joyful surprises to maintain interest. This is a work that bears repetition. Like Mr. Olbash’s personality, this setting will reveal new elements of prayer with each use. It bears the mandate of Pope Saint Pius X that music for the liturgy be Sacred, Beautiful, and Universal.

The beautiful recordings above are featured on the Blackstone Valley Catholic Youth Choir recording Clothed with the Sun — Music for the Solemnities of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary. To buy the CD click here.

Please pray for the good works of Michael and many like him who are dedicated to serving the Church. Such prayer and joy these children bring to the liturgy and to our lives!

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Catholic Youth Choirs, congregational singing, Gregorian Chant, Roman Missal Third Edition, Singing the Mass Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ with regard to 1960s switch to vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of October (2025)
    Those who don’t sign up for our free EMAIL NEWSLETTER miss important notifications. Last week, for example, I sent a message about this job opening for a music director paying $65,000 per year plus benefits (plus weddings & funerals). Notice the job description says: “our vision for sacred music is to move from singing at Mass to truly singing the Mass wherein … especially the propers, ordinaries, and dialogues are given their proper place.” Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 27th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 5 October 2025, which is the 27th 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. Readers will want to check out the ENTRANCE CHANT posted there, which has a haunting melody (in the DEUTERUS MODE) and extremely powerful text.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Did they simplify these hymn harmonies?
    Choirs love to sing the famous & splendid tune called “INNSBRUCK.” Looking through a (Roman Catholic) German hymnal printed in 1952, I discovered what appears to be a simplified version of that hymn. In other words, their harmonization is much less complex than the version found in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal (which is suitable for singing by SATB choir). Please download their 1952 harmonization (PDF) and let me know your thoughts. I really like the groovy Germanic INTRODUCTION they added.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

On 26 July 1916—during the German occupation of Belgium—a student choir led by Van Nuffel performed his setting of the psalm “Super flumina Babylonis” in Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. The text and the musical setting very aptly expressed the depressed and rebellious mood of the population. The acclaim was enormous, and it laid the foundation for Van Nuffel’s formation of the Saint Rumbold’s choir.

— Unknown

Recent Posts

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  • “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
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  • “Toward a More Sacred Style With Pastoral Charity” • Guest Article by Dr. Myrna Keough

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