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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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
    As I explained in my article posted earlier today, Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland is actually a Catholic tune (in spite of what some have claimed). The volunteer choir I direct sang that beautiful ADVENT melody last Sunday, and I invite you to listen to the live recording. It will get better the more we sing it.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Message from the Vice-President!
    The Vice-President of the Church Music Association of America, Dr. Horst Buchholz (who also serves as Director of Sacred Music for the Archdiocese of Detroit) sent us an email yesterday regarding the harmonizations (PDF) I composed for the Gregorian Chant psalm tones. Dr. Buchholz says: “Those settings are absolutely exquisite, as I'm used to when it comes from you. Bravo! Well done! Now, as a sequel, if you could write something for accompanying psalms in English that would be awesome.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Requesting Our Advent Eucharistic Hymn
    A young lady named Agnes wrote to us: “Dear Mr. Ostrowski, do you have the PDF score for Ave Corpus Domini set to the ADVENT melody? Last year, we sang the hymn tune “Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland” quite a bit using your contrafactum technique. My choir appreciates the Latin hymns and practice videos, especially in the ADVENT and CHRISTMAS seasons. Your recent article on Gregorian Psalm Tones is a great help to my organist brother, and reminds us of attending VESPERS years ago when we lived in California. Thank you so much for all the effort put into providing these wonderful resources!”   Agnes, if you are listening! Yes, the PDF file you desire can be downloaded for free at the Brébeuf Portal via this URL link. Thanks for writing to us!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

The “Nova Organi Harmonia” demanded from each of us an unusual commitment; we have dedicated to it the best of our energies. Would it be, therefore, presumptuous on our part to be satisfied with the result and to expect its welcome reception in the musical world?

— Msgr. Jules Van Nuffel (circa 1940)

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