Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for May 2019

Jeff Ostrowski · May 30, 2019

Learn To Sing SATB • “A New Approach!”

Twelve (12) hymns are already available, with tons more on the way!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 29, 2019

What Makes A “Catholic” Hymnal?

I find the following pairings reprehensible…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 28, 2019

St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir (Sydney, Australia)

If you are interested in the great English Cathedral music tradition, please consider listening to these podcasts.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 23, 2019

PDF Download • Palestrina “Gloria” w/ practice videos!

Careful: the Alto line is surprisingly difficult!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 21, 2019

Further Thoughts on Westminster Cathedral

I am reminded of the care with which the Pieta was transported from the Vatican to New York City for the World’s Fair in 1964 and I hope and pray that the Westminster Cathedral Choir will be treated with as much veneration and respect.

Fr. David Friel · May 19, 2019

Installation of New Pipe Organ on Capitol Hill

Noack Opus 162 built for St. Peter’s Church

Jeff Ostrowski · May 17, 2019

PDF Download • Franz Liszt and Gregorian Chant

Many would ask: “What is the purpose of posting such books? Are we supposed to sing from them?” • It turns out, these editions help us understand the journey of Franz Liszt to understand Gregorian modality.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 16, 2019

How Do You Mark Starting Pitches?

Some might ask: “Why not just write the name of the note?”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 8, 2019

1941 Mass (Chicago) mixed with 2017 Mass (FSSP)

I can’t remember if I ever released this “comparison” video…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · May 7, 2019

To: Headmaster of Westminster Cathedral Choir School

Like the great Cathedral of Notre Dame, this daily musical offering belongs not only to the Church in London and the British Isles, but to the universal Church.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 6, 2019

“Common” Hymn Melodies • What are they?

Choirmasters and organists understand how crucial flexibility is.

Corpus Christi Watershed · May 6, 2019

Lulu Coupon • But Notice The Expiration Date!

These LULU coupons come and go…so watch the expiration date!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 2, 2019

PDF Download • Complete Kyriale on Modern Staves!

If you can read treble clef, you can read this edition … a brilliant idea!

Corpus Christi Watershed · May 1, 2019

Repertoire • Sacred Music Symposium 2019

Sacred Music Symposium 2019

Simplest “Agnus Dei” Ever Published

Our choir is on break during the month of July. I needed a relatively simple “Agnus Dei,” so I composed this setting for organ & voice in honor of Saint René Goupil. It has been called the simplest setting ever composed. I love CARMEN GREGORIANUM (“Gregorian Chant”), especially the ALLELUIAS, INTROITS, and COMMUNION ANTIPHONS. That being said, some have pointed out that certain sections of the Kyriale aren’t as strong as the Graduale or Vesperale. There’s a reason for this—but it would be too complicated to explain at this moment.

—Jeff Ostrowski

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Our choir is on break during the month of July. However, on the feasts website, the chants have been posted for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), which is this coming Sunday: 6 July 2025.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Bugnini’s Statement (6 November 1966)

With each passing day, more is revealed about how the enemies of the liturgy accomplished their goals. For instance, Hannibal Bugnini deeply resented the way Vatican II said Gregorian Chant “must be given first place in liturgical services.” On 6 November 1966, his cadre wrote a letter attempting to justify the elimination of Gregorian Chant with this brazen statement: “What really gives a Mass its tone is not so much the songs as it is the prayers and readings.” Bugnini’s cadre then attacked the very heart of Gregorian Chant (viz. the Proprium Missae), bemoaning how the Proprium Missae “is completely new each Sunday and feast day.” There is much more to be said about this topic. Stay tuned.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Pope Pius XII Hymnal?

Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Hybrid” Chant Notation?

Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Antiphons Don’t Match?

A reader wants to know why the Entrance and Communion antiphons in certain publications deviate from what’s prescribed by the GRADUALE ROMANUM published after Vatican II. Click here to read our answer. The short answer is: the Adalbert Propers were never intended to be sung. They were intended for private Masses only (or Masses without music). The “Graduale Parvum,” published by the John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music in 2023, mostly uses the Adalbert Propers—but sometimes uses the GRADUALE text: e.g. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June).

—Corpus Christi Watershed