Views from the Choir Loft

Can You Hear The Difference?

Jeff Ostrowski · August 24, 2016

T HAS BEEN and continues to be my belief that mixing “real voices” for the Watershed rehearsal videos sounds better than having just my voice singing all the parts.

The following videos allow for an “Apples to Apples” comparison:

* Version A • Jeff’s Voice Only

* Version B • “Real” Voices (Men & Women)

Do you agree Version B sounds a lot nicer? Please let me know your thoughts in the Watershed combox on Facebook. ¹

A true choral sound—which is what composers usually had in mind—requires a minimum of three (3) voices per part. That means the minimum number of voices for SATB is twelve singers. We cannot manage something like that for these rehearsal videos…but maybe some day! Father Carlo Rossini probably had a point when he demanded five singers on each part. Even the world’s greatest four (4) singers singing SATB cannot replace a choir sound.

NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1 While I do not have personal a Facebook account, pertinent comments are forwarded to me by a CCW volunteer.

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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

“Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd 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 alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“The Worm That Dieth Not”

My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.

—Jeff Ostrowski

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

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