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Views from the Choir Loft

Incredible News! • Re: Mæstro Richard J. Clark

Jeff Ostrowski · October 22, 2018

87289 RICHARD J CLARK UR VERY OWN contributor has been appointed to one of America’s most prominent sacred music positions! Richard J. Clark has been named DIRECTOR OF MUSIC of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

One of the most sought after liturgical musicians and composers, it is no wonder Richard has been asked to lead music for the fourth largest Archdiocese in the United States. A dedicated servant of the church, Clark’s compositions range from humble settings (for simple parishes) to works performed by the finest choir and musicians in the world. In addition to being a husband and father, he maintains a pretty nifty website.

In some ways, his path to becoming a church musician was unlikely. At age nine, my understanding is that he declared, “being a church musicians has to be the lowest musical aspiration possible.” Instead of beginning studies at a conservatory, be began at Berklee College of Music. Interestingly, it was there he discovered composition in the styles of J. S. Bach and Palestrina. Somewhat late in life he began playing the organ—not until his early twenties. Yet, he fell in love with the instrument so instantly, he quickly become one of Boston’s most notable organists, performing in the Boston Symphony Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York), Saint-Eustache (Paris), and so forth.

87279 Richard


Richard is at ease with a vast array of musical styles; from Gregorian Chant to classical to jazz and pop. This eclectic background informs his unique voice as a composer. Always filtered through the prism of reverence and prayer, any influence Clark draws from results in a work surging with emotion and spirit. Perhaps most importantly, Richard’s experience of working in parishes for decades makes him eminently qualified to guide an archdiocese. While he is devoted to and respects the traditional music of the Church, Richard’s hand in many musical styles affords him the ability to see multiple points of view. He has had a gift for unifying musicians and people (no mater how diverse) in prayer through sacred music. By the way, several of Richard’s hymn settings were chosen to be in the Brébeuf hymnal, and they’re absolutely marvelous—I think people will really enjoy them.

87286 Fenway Park in 2017. 87287-Richard-Clark-Organ 87288-Orchestra-Rehearsal-2017

Never doubt one thing: Richard is a man of INTEGRITY. 1

I was blessed to make his acquaintance through a mutual friend, Edmund G. Murray (who is also a phenomenal church musician). About half a decade ago, I served on the faculty of the CMAA Colloquium, and we both ended up stranded in the same airport for a few hours. We had a wonderful talk, and I’m happy to say we’ve been friends ever since. In light of this sensational appointment, wherein he’s now the musical leader of the Archdiocese of Boston, I can only say one thing: “Please don’t forget the little people, Richard!”



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   How many people can you say that about these days? Honestly?

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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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    Introit • Candlemas (2 February)
    “Candlemas” • Our choir sang on February 2nd, and here's a live recording of the beautiful INTROIT: Suscépimus Deus. We had very little time to rehearse, but I think it has some very nice moments. I promise that by the 8th Sunday after Pentecost it will be perfect! (That Introit is repeated on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.) We still need to improve, but we're definitely on the right track!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Antiphons • “Candlemas”
    Anyone who desires simplified antiphons (“psalm tone versions”) for 2 February, the Feast of the Purification—which is also known as “Candlemas” or the Feast of the Presentation—may freely download them. The texts of the antiphons are quite beautiful. From “Lumen Ad Revelatiónem Géntium” you can hear a live excerpt (Mp3).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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“A father cannot introduce mistrust and division among his faithful children. He cannot humiliate some by setting them against others. He cannot ostracize some of his priests. The peace and unity that the Church claims to offer to the world must first be lived within the Church. ”

— Cardinal Sarah (14 August 2021)

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