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Views from the Choir Loft

Josquin Des Prez Vandalized Stuff (!)

Jeff Ostrowski · October 26, 2017

4121 arguam HEN I WAS STUDYING musicology in graduate school, the professor hurried into class one day and exclaimed gleefully: “Josquin vandalized things!”

Then she spoke of an article she read which described how someone discovered Josquin’s name “etched onto the back of a pew, proving he was a singer at the Vatican.” At that time, I wondered how we could be certain it was Josquin des Prez (d. 1521) who created the vandalism and not somebody else. (But I admit it’s more fun to assume it to be authentic and not a forgery!)

My professor must have been talking about marker 1:12 in this stunningly well-produced video:


Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all I remember from graduate studies!

P.S.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember the famous Renaissance composers were not hired as such—they were hired as singers.

Sorry to change subjects, and sorry to be random, but I discovered something yesterday. It turns out Ted Marier was not infallible. Examine carefully the bottom of this page:

4120 MARIER


Marier says the translation was by “anonymous”—but unless I’m mistaken, this translation was produced by Fr. Caswall.

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

    PDF • “For General Use Until Advent”
    If you conduct a volunteer choir, you might consider using this Simple Piece #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) which can be used during the rest of the liturgical season until Advent. It's based on the well known hymn tune: OLD HUNDREDTH. Rehearsal videos are available at #40691. A live recording of #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) by a volunteer choir is here (#40065).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

If the homily goes on too long, it will affect two characteristic elements of the liturgical celebration: its balance and its rhythm. The words of the preacher must be measured, so that the Lord, more than his minister, will be the center of attention.

— Pope Francis (11/24/2013)

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