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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 “Sistine Screamers”

Andrew Leung · August 1, 2017

CTL In Defense of the Sistine Screamers WO DAYS AGO, Crux posted an article about the Sistine Chapel Choir’s first tour to the USA in 30 years. In the article, the author and Msgr. Massimo Palombella, the current choirmaster, mention about the choir’s old reputation as the “Sistine Screamers” and how the choir has abandoned their old way of singing. As I have mentioned before (here and here), I think that the Sistine Chapel Choir has taken a more British choral approach and their musical quality has improved greatly. However, there are a few things I would like to point out in defense of their old approach.

First of all, allow me to point out that most people nowadays consider the choral sound of the English Cathedrals as the standard and our ears are more used to this sound of the choral approach of British school. But that might not have always been the case. In the old days, it would have been harder for people to compare and exchange ideas about choral singing since there was no internet and the technology wasn’t as developed.

Let us also consider the cultural background of the choir. In the past, most of the singers of the Pope’s choir were Italian and were probably recruited from opera houses. They were all trained in operatic singing and probably considered it the best way, and a very noble way, of singing. Following that logic, that would be how they sing in the Pope’s churches because they wanted to offer the best to God; and the local Catholic faithful influenced by the Italian culture would probably think it is appropriate. (And this is probably why Pope St. Pius X wants to make sure that we keep operas out of the liturgy.)

Finally, one of the reasons they sang in their full and operatic voices was to make sure that their voices can be projected throughout the basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world (over 700ft long, 500ft wide with a 448ft-tall dome) and you can imagine the effort it takes to fill the whole church with music without using microphones. They had to sacrifice the quality of the music in order make sure that they can be heard.

I am very glad that the Sistine Chapel Choir has abandoned their old way of singing and is now making angelic music. But let us not condemn their old approach without first understanding the reasons behind it.

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 Andrew Leung

Andrew Leung currently serves the music director of Vox Antiqua, conductor of the Cecilian Singers, and music director at Our Lady of China Church.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Liturgical Round (“Canon”) in C-Major
    Those who direct children’s choirs are always on the lookout for repertoire that’s dignified, inspired, and pleasing—yet still within reach of young choristers. Such directors will want to investigate this haunting liturgical round (PDF download) which has been married to the KYRIE from Mass VI (EDITIO VATICANA). I have provided an accompaniment, but it’s only for use during rehearsal; i.e. when teaching this round to your choristers. I also provided an organ accompaniment for the KYRIE—which some know by its trope (Kyrie Rex Genitor)—so that your congregation can take part when this round is used as a choral extension during Mass.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Latin Liturgy Association
    We note with pleasure that Mrs. Regina Morris, president of the Latin Liturgy Association, has featured—on page 4 of Volume CXXIX of their official newsletter—the three (3) terrific versions of the Stations of the Cross found in the Brébeuf Hymnal. One of the main authors for the blog of the Church Music Association of America said (6/10/2019) about this pew book: “It is such a fantastic hymnal that it deserves to be in the pews of every Catholic church.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Music List” • 28th in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 12 October 2025, which is the 28th 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 dazzling feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)
    The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

The frequent elisions, as in the verse “Hoc óstium arcae in látere est Genti ad salútem pósitum” (feast of the Sacred Heart) make for an unpronounceable and unsingable hymn, and slightly less so does the hymn for Christ the King.

— Archbishop Hannibal Bugnini

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