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Views from the Choir Loft

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt (Gregorian Hymn)

Jeff Ostrowski · February 14, 2015

309 Vexilla Regis E HAVE INCLUDED an English translation in our Vexilla Regis score below. Latin eventually became a “dead” language, but anyone associated with the Church had to learn it—as did anyone who obtained any sort of basic education.

Those who hate our Latin heritage say, “It is impossible to learn a foreign language. Period.” However, immigrants to the United States—whether from India, the Philippines, Mexico, China, or Vietnam—would explain that learning a foreign language is not “impossible.”

The Vexilla Regis as it looked in the 14th century:

      * *  PDF Download • 14th Century Manuscript (Austria)

The Vexilla Regis as it looks today:

      * *  PDF Download • Gregorian Score (February 2015)

Fr. Dominic Popplewell pointed out that, by the 14th century, the writing was not that easy to read. They were more interested in beauty. It will remembered that most of these prayers would have been memorized.

    * *  PDF Download • Organ Accompaniment “Vexilla Regis”

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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Jeff Ostrowski

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

4 March 2021 • Can you spare 15 seconds?

Due to Covid-19, California has basically been under “lock down” for 11 months, and these restrictions have had quite a detrimental effect on our choral programs. We are frequently limited to just 2-3 singers, on account of regulations by the government and our Archdiocese. However, although the number of singers is quite small, I was struck by the beauty of the singing last Sunday. Listen to this 15-second live excerpt and see if you agree?

—Jeff Ostrowski
3 March 2021 • “A policeman” — really?

According to Monsignor Frederick R. McManus, there were “policemen” serving the Sanhedrin in the time of Our Blessed Lord. Look at this awful translation in the 1966 “Saint Andrew Bible Missal” from 1966. Yuck!

—Jeff Ostrowski
Surprising Popularity!

One of our most popular downloads has proven to be the organ accompaniment to “The Monastery Hymnal” (131 pages). This book was compiled, arranged, and edited by Achille P. Bragers, who studied at the Lemmensinstituut (Belgium) about thirty years before that school produced the NOH. Bragers might be considered an example of Belgium “Stile Antico” whereas Flor Peeters and Jules Van Nuffel represented Belgium “Prima Pratica.” You can download the hymnal by Bragers at this link.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“When we force a boy to be a mediocrity in a dozen subjects we destroy his standards, perhaps for life.”

— C. S. Lewis

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