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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

In Defense of the Organ Postlude

Fr. David Friel · January 30, 2017

HE SECOND issue of the new magazine, Altare Dei, from Choralife has just been published. Subtitled “A Magazine on Liturgy and Sacred Music,” this publication will be of interest to many of our readers here at CCW.

The lead story in this latest issue is a well-argued piece by Dr. Peter Kwasniewski (known to our readers as a past contributor): “In Defense of the Organ Postlude.” Against those who are disturbed by this practice, which has been common since the late Renaissance, Kwasniewski makes a case that the organ postlude should not be viewed as a distraction to the act of thanksgiving. It should be appreciated, rather, for its ability to create “a sonic image of angelic choirs, a wordless transcendent proclamation of God’s glory.” Thus, the author’s fundamental claim is that the organ postlude has the spiritual benefit of immersing its hearers in the glory of God. Want to read more? Click here to download.

Included with this issue of Altare Dei is a hefty insert with seven pieces of sheet music. Among the compositions included are an Ave Maria, an Easter Alleluia, and an organ interlude from composers such as Colin Mawby, Mauro Visconti, and Valentinus Miserachs.

A new article of mine appears in this installment. Entitled, “The Earliest Catholic Choir School,” my article explores the roots of the choir school tradition in the Roman schola of the seventh century. Fascinating pieces on a variety of liturgical and musical subjects have also been contributed by David Fagerberg (theology professor, University of Notre Dame), Rev. Thomas Kocik (priest of the Diocese of Fall River, MA), Rev. Enrico Finotti (Italian liturgist), Fulvio Rampi (Gregorian chant scholar), and others.

Altare Dei is the handiwork of Maestro Aurelio Porfiri (another past contributor to these pages). Porfiri’s experience as a choir master, conductor, organist, and music theorist has prepared him well to serve as editor of this new publication.

The magazine is distributed strictly in digital format, on a bi-monthly basis. The first issue is still available for download.

Download the latest edition here for only €6.00, and see the excellent content for yourself!

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Altare Dei Magazine, Father Enrico Zoffoli, Pipe Organ, Sacred Choral Works Kwasniewski, Sheet Music Last Updated: November 13, 2019

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

Quick Thoughts

    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

Random Quote

“I love them that love me: and they that in the morning early watch for me shall find me.”

— Proverbs 8

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  • Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
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  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • Brave Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording

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