Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • A “Bright” Eucharistic Hymn

Jeff Ostrowski · May 1, 2018

LEASE ALLOW ME TO CLEAR UP a misconception about the St. Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal (forthcoming), which is being produced by an international team of Catholics, including priests and laymen. It is certainly true that the JP2 Institute has commissioned new tunes and new texts for this book—and they’re magnificent. However, the majority of the book consists of traditional tunes and texts. An example would be the following German melody, which is featured prominently.

The Brébeuf hymnal contains several fabulous English translations of this hymn—but I would like to demonstrate that it can also be sung in Latin:

REHEARSAL VIDEOS for each individual voice and PDF score await you at #89325.

Many readers won’t click on that link (#89325)—thereby depriving themselves of the PDF score: all eight pages! This breaks my heart.

Other readers will avoid clicking that link (#89325)—and consequently miss the opportunity to sing along with the individual voice parts, which are extremely fun. This makes me sad.

HE SAINT Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal discriminated based on the excellence of hymn melodies and hymn texts. To be honest, we were not totally sure a book could be produced with the high standards we adopted, but it turns out it can! The biggest obstacle we currently face is whether to include the Spanish hymns we’ve prepared, because we don’t want the book to be too heavy. After all, there is something pleasant about holding a book that’s just the right size. By the way, here is a recording of this hymn by the Vatican (using the plainsong melody). I consider the organ accompaniment very nice.

In a few weeks, final proofreading will commence. Those interested in proofreading the St. Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal should email the committee. My understanding is they’re searching for proofreaders. Make sure the word “proofreader” is in your email’s subject line.

About Jeff Ostrowski

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children.

“Daily I sat in the temple, close to you…”

Fulton J. Sheen always said the “very best translation” of Sacred Scripture was the version by Monsignor Ronald Knox, and here’s what Knox had for the Passion read today (Pre-1955 Palm Sunday): “And Jesus said to the multitude at that hour, You have come out to my arrest with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber; and yet I used to sit teaching in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me.” (Mt 26:55)

Did you catch that? Our Lord sat close to them! He was near them! The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity touched them, and was friendly toward them! Truly, the people who can hurt us the most—and betray us the most—are those whom we have loved.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski