Views from the Choir Loft

Absolute Last Chance: Period!

Jeff Ostrowski · October 10, 2018

BE IT KNOWN TO ALL:

(1) We have finished several rounds of proofreading on the St. Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal.

(2) We have involved about seventy (70) awesome and generous people.

(3) There is one final round of proofreading.

(4) If you desire to help with the proofreading, this is the absolute “last call.”

(5) Send an email to the institute at your earliest convenience, and make sure to explain your knowledge of music or hymns or poetry or typesetting, etc. etc.

Speaking of hymns…

My friend, Andrew Motyka, asked me to show the “full version” of this famous hymn:

* * PDF Download • 1584 version of a Famous Hymn

Do you see how it got chopped in half?

Sometimes people who don’t know much about hymns become irate when they notice something altered from the “original” melody or text. They fail to understand that hymns are constantly modified and refined through the centuries. On this, see the book by Dr. Robert Skeris called “Musicae Sacrae Meletemata” (Divini cultus studium, Volume 3) published in 1990.

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.

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

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski