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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

Solesmes is not infallible…

Jeff Ostrowski · November 16, 2015

HE LEVEL OF PERFECTION attained by the liturgical books of Solesmes Abbey has inspired Catholics for well over a century. Abbot Pothier was not content to restore the authentic Gregorian rhythm and melodies. He collaborated with a Belgian printer to create a very special neumatic notation which has been copied to this day.

However, the monks of Solesmes are not infallible.

Look at the accent on the word ÁDJUVA in this 1926 book by Solesmes:

116 Adjuva


Perhaps they were thinking of “adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi.” Or perhaps they were thinking of “Adjútor meus, tibi psallam.” In most other Solesmes books, however, it’s correct:

115 kneel


For the record, some have suggested Solesmes had very little to do with this 1926 book (Chants Abrégés) which is said to have been created in Canada. However, there is contradictory information on that point.

Here’s an error in Solesmes “Mass & Vespers” (1957):

113 Mass Vespers ERROR


It’s nice to know that even the best & brightest make errors.

(Speaking of errors, according to Fr. George Rutler, I ought to have said “brightest and best” because that phrase comes from an Epiphany hymn.)

In 1957, Solesmes forgot they were supposed to be writing in English, not French:

90298 solesmes GRADUEL


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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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

He stood firm against nepotism, rebuking his predecessor Pope Pius IV to his face when he wanted to make a 13-year-old member of his family a cardinal and subsidize a nephew from the papal treasury.

— Re: Pope Saint Pius V (d. 1572)

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