Views from the Choir Loft

Musical Resources • 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Jeff Ostrowski · January 24, 2017

These musical programs are for FSSP.la, the new FSSP Apostolate in Los Angeles.

PROCESSIONAL

The organist will play.

ASPERGES

PDF Score (Singer) • Practice Audio (Singer) • Organist

We also add a polyphonic section, which is #4550.

INTROIT • Sung by the men.

PDF Score (Singer) • Practice Audio (Singer)

KYRIE ELEISON

We will sing #6995 (hopefully with the Christe section added).

We also know a KYRIE with three sections: #3347, #3661, and #7332.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

We will sing #3610 (“Canonic”). We also know #7709 (“Viadana”).

GRADUAL & ALLELUIA

We will sing #7503 (an Alleluia by Victoria) with verses which we’ll practice on Sunday.

CREDO IV • Alternatim

We often sing this version: #3445. But sometimes we sing in unison.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON

PDF Score (Singer)

OFFERTORY OTHER

We will sing #6800 (“Cantique de Noël”) starting with the letter “H” — accompanied using this score.

SANCTUS & HOSANNA

We will sing #3496.

Choir members should be learning #6962 and #6926. Moreover, a false beginning can be used if the choir is ready for the Hosanna but not the Sanctus beginning.

AGNUS DEI

Here is the musical score. To learn this piece, visit this website and locate #2978. The words are different, but the music is the same.

COMMUNION FIRST

Organist plays as choir receives Holy Communion.

COMMUNION ADDITIONAL

“Nunc Sancte Nobis” Hymn (Newman Translation) is #7128.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON • Sung by the ladies.

PDF Score (Singer) • Practice Audio (Singer)

Accompanied from these markings, which the organist should print using a color printer.

RECESSIONAL HYMN • #819 As With Gladness Men Of Old

From the Campion Hymnal.

CHOIR PRAYER (from CAMPION HYMNAL) happens after attendance is taken:

Here’s the most common conclusion:

407 Christ Saves

About Jeff Ostrowski

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski