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Views from the Choir Loft

How Serious Are They About The Accent?

Jeff Ostrowski · May 28, 2018

HENEVER a psalm tone termination has two accents, beware! These are often the more tricky ones. Mode 7 is an example, and even after all these years I’ve never heard a convincing explanation as to why the proper way doesn’t go UP on “non.” Doing so would give us a true accent instead of a fake one—although fake ones are allowed when there is no other choice. But that’s just not how it’s done:

88844 MODE 7 psalm tone


I suppose it all boils down to whether one believes a 1-syllable Latin word truly has a “tonic accent.”

Mode 3 seems to do the opposite:

88823 Patri Mode 3


Yet Mode III does not do the opposite for something like: “Qui fecit caelos in intelléctu: * quóniam in aetérnum misericórdia ejus.”

    * *  PDF Download • Conundrum for Mode iii

And Mode III does not do the opposite for something like: “Et qui abduxérunt nos: * Hymnum cantáte nobis de cánticis Sion.”

88771 accent mode 3


Again I ask: How much do they really care about the accent? It would seem they do not consider a monosyllable a “true” accent worth preserving.

By the way, this handy Psalm Tone Chart includes numerous examples.

There is also valuable information in the 1957 Solesmes Mass and Vespers.

Even Mode VIII can be tricky—as has been demonstrated.

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 Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
7 June 2022 • FEEDBACK

From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

It would be contrary to the Constitution to decree or even to hint that sung celebrations, especially of the Mass, should be in Latin.

— Annibale Bugnini attacking “Sacrosanctum Concilium” (§36)

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