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Corpus Christi Watershed

“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

Can You Hear The Difference?

Jeff Ostrowski · August 24, 2016

178 Krakow 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.

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

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
7 June 2022 • FEEDBACK

From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a direct war, a direct killing—direct murder by the mother herself. And we read in the Scripture, for God says very clearly: “Even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you: I have carved you in the palm of my hand.”

— Mother Theresa (11 Dec 1979)

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