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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

The Week In Review

Jeff Ostrowski · October 10, 2015

Here are some random thoughts. Take them or leave them!

(1)

Gregory DiPippo wrote a fascinating article on NLM you will want to read. I don’t want to tell you what it’s about—but believe me, you will love it! Now, here’s a fun fact: the Jogues Missal actually contains a “bilingual” manuscript (Greek + Latin) which you can better understand by reading an article I posted a while back.

(2)

As a choirmaster, in some ways it doesn’t matter what you know about music, because the main thing is dealing with people. We must cultivate relationships with our singers, who are people. Choirmasters do not have a choice in this matter. We do not conduct a group of singers; we conduct a whole bunch of individual people who (in my view) must become friends.

(3)

What would our readers think about a “Letters to the Editor” section on our CCW blog? I think that might be kind of fun, if there was enough interest…

(4)

As a blog author, one eventually realizes “less is more.” Good authors must be succinct. They must avoid repeating themselves over and over. I feel this has a bearing on the question of GRADUAL vs. RESPONSORIAL PSALM. The Gradual had a way of picking out just 1-2 really special verses (easily grasped by the human mind). The Responsorial Psalm has more verses, but somehow can leave less of an impression upon the mind.

(5)

Internet users have become more mature. Have you noticed how few blogs comments are made these days as opposed to ten years ago? These days, folks navigate to the websites they desire, blocking out the rest. Folks no longer have the time & energy required for endless flame wars. I’d like to explore this subject more at some point…

(6)

My friend wrote me an email, letting me know Kirsten Powers has become Catholic! I wrote about Kirsten Powers here. (I think that’s why my friend sent me that message.)

(7)

Here at CCW, we strive for authenticity. So many blogs out there talk down to their audiences, or try to get people riled up. One thing I hate is when blog authors frame an issue, and then—just like the 30-minute sitcoms in the ’90s—“resolve” the issue at the end of the article. In reality, most issues are complex and cannot be resolved in a 1-paragraph summary. Such an approach may be considered “proper writing” but in the end is not applicable to the real world.

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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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

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

“By a decree of the synod of the diocese of Exeter in 1284, no one should claim any seat in a church; but whoever first entered a church for the purpose of devotion, might choose at his pleasure a place for praying.”

— A work by Fr. Husenbeth (d. 1872)

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