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Corpus Christi Watershed

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

New Propers Collection By Lawrence M. Rutherford

Jeff Ostrowski · November 19, 2014

655 Larry AWRENCE RUTHERFORD is to be congratulated for his new publication: English Psalm-Tone Propers for the Ordinary Form of the Mass. He has carefully set the Introits, Responsorial Psalms, Alleluias, Offertories, and Communions to the traditional Gregorian psalm tones, also providing organ accompaniments. I had concerns about his unique notational style, but, having carefully examined his books, I see that my concerns were unfounded. Moreover, the thoughtful way he fits English texts to the Psalm Tones—which were designed for the Latin language—is remarkable.

Anyone interested in restoring the Propers to a vernacular Mass ought to pick up a copy of this two-volume set. The settings are very simple: even a single cantor can tackle them. The editor has included a few Latin verses for the more famous Introits, but less than 1% of the entire book is in Latin. He has also included nice artwork with reflections.

      * *  English Psalm-Tone Propers for the Ordinary Form of the Mass

As with any publication, there are a few typos which need to be corrected in subsequent editions. Good Friday lacks a page number in the index. A header in the Preface is incorrect. The page numbers overlap in some instances. Such minor errors happen in almost every publishing project.

653 error A 652 error B 651 error C

649 sample DURING A REVIEW, it’s normal for the reviewer to mention one “flaw.” I have to say that I wish Mr. Rutherford had set the Sung Propers (which come from the Revised 1974 Gradual) instead of setting the Spoken Propers (which come from the Sacramentary). Obviously, he had no choice about the Offertories, which do not exist in the Sacramentary, and needed to be taken from the Gradual.

If a congregation is following the Mass by means of a printed Order of Worship, such as the Jogues Illuminated Missal, they will be looking at the Sung Propers. That means their texts will match Mr. Rutherford’s almost perfectly, except for the Communion antiphons. Therefore, either the congregation will be confused by hearing the Spoken Text Communion (a.k.a. “Sacramentary Text Communion”) or the musician should use some other collection, such as the Simple English Propers (CMAA, 2011) for the Communion.

MY REVIEW IS FINISHED but I would like to say I’m really glad Aquinas & More is still running. (A few years ago, they announced they would be closing.) Also, I would like to know if Mr. Lawrence M. Rutherford is related to Ian Rutherford, who runs Aquinas & More. If not, that’s some coincidence!

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Graduale Romanum Roman Gradual Propers, Simple English Mass Propers, Sung Vs Spoken Propers Novus Ordo 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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    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
    “Music List” • 21st in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Our choir returns on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for it, which is the 21st 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. When it comes to the feast of the Assumption (15 August 2025), I have uploaded the music list for that Mass—but not the “bi-lingual” Mass in the evening (Spanish, Latin, and English) which has completely different music.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 21st Sunday Ordin. Time
    You can download the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON in English for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) which is coming up on 24 August 2025. Corresponding to the vocalist score is this free organ accompaniment. It’s set in a melancholy mode, but if you heard my choir’s female voices singing it your soul would be uplifted beyond belief. If you’re someone who enjoys rehearsal videos, this morning I tried to sing it while simultaneously accompanying my voice on the pipe organ.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    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

Random Quote

“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?”

— The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021, Interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)

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