“Audi Benigne Conditor” • Gregorian Hymn For Lent

Jeff Ostrowski · February 11, 2016

Here is a Gregorian hymn we like to sing during Lent:

* * PDF Download • “Audi Benigne Conditor”

The text is by St. Gregory the Great, who was Pope from 590-604.

And Peter Proctor has sent us this beautiful version by Guillaume Du Fay (1474AD):

* * PDF Download • “Audi Benigne Conditor” (Du Fay)

A version from approximately 1425AD:

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

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).

Why Text Only?

Why do hymns in the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal give so many optional “text only” versions of the hymns? It’s easier to demonstrate than explain. Consider Hymn #24, which allows the director to choose a wonderful melody and easily apply it to the text. Hymnal editors knew about the value of “text only” versions for centuries, but this was gradually forgotten in Catholic books. In 2018, the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal rediscovered what should never have disappeared in the first place!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Choral Eavesdropping” • 15 Sept. 2022

If you enjoy eavesdropping, here’s a rehearsal excerpt (mp3) of my volunteers singing the exercise I posted last week. This is the second time we’ve used it, and I can definitely hear improvement. You can download this choral warm-up for free.

—Jeff Ostrowski

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—Jeff Ostrowski

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About Jeff Ostrowski