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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

Who I Am

Jeff Ostrowski · February 11, 2017

HEN READERS visit Views from the Choir Loft, it is of course within the realm of possibility that what they encounter could be false—just like any other blog on the internet. We assure our readers we’re truthful, but human beings are fallible, and some are dishonest. But one thing is never dishonest: music. What you hear is what you get.

Here’s a recording I’ve thoroughly enjoyed for two decades:


Vladimir Horowitz made this recording just a few days before he died (at the age of 86). I grew up reading biographies of Rachmaninoff, Hofmann, Friedman, Gieseking, and all the rest, so I’ve always been aware that great pianists can play anything at sight, no matter how difficult. Horowitz was especially known for this ability. He never played this piece in public, but undoubtedly mastered it in minutes—and nobody has ever made a more powerful recording. 1

My youth was filled with playing the piano, exploring nature with my brothers, and spending time at church. My brother and I immersed ourselves completely in Fauré, Franck, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, MacDowell, Schubert, Mozart, Medtner, Rachmaninov, Haydn, Palestrina, Bach, and so many others. Later on, my brother entered the seminary while I got married, and I miss our friendship so much. (We both lead busy lives, and great distances separate us.) Life becomes more complicated when one becomes an adult. I often wonder if God will allow me—someday—to once more experience that exhilarating and intoxicating delight of music. I used to rush home from my job (as a soccer referee) to listen to rare recordings which I obtained through trading with people in Italy, Belgium, China, Canada, and other places. In those days, it was all cassette tapes. I remember spending Autumn days working in Dr. Richard Angeletti’s studio at the University of Kansas. Those happy days seem so far away. 2

If you ever wondered (or cared) “who I am,” just listen to that recording. By so doing, you’ll understand a great deal about me.



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   This is just the middle section. For the full recording, search YouTube for “Chopin Etude op. 25 no. 5 Horowitz” and it will come right up.

2   After hearing me play virtuoso pieces in a competition, Dr. Angeletti had accepted me—even though he seldom accepted high school students. He was a supremely musical man, and we spent hours on pedaling and phrasing. Dr. Angeletti, by the way, was instrumental (pardon the pun) in beginning the “artist in residence” program at KU, bringing in artists like Leon Fleisher and Gary Graffman.

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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 14 September (Holy Cross)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I prepared for 14 September 2025, which is the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. 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
    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    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

Random Quote

“It is true that I have a preference for those who are discarded,” said Francis, for he is a humble man and would be the first to admit it.

— Tim Stanley, writing for “The Telegraph” on 13 March 2023

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  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
  • “Music List” • 14 September (Holy Cross)
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  • Charlie Kirk’s Fascination with Traditional Catholic Liturgy

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.