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Views from the Choir Loft

The Day Music Theory Failed Me

Jeff Ostrowski · July 25, 2019

ELOW IS THE THIRD TEXT from the Brébeuf Hymnal set to the tune of “O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf.” We have been discussing how crucial it is to have “common melodies”—and these are what make the Brébeuf hymnal so indispensable for the parish choirmaster. I am sure all the readers know my primary degree is Music Theory; and you already know how deeply I believe in the value of Music Theory.

According to Music Theory, if you eliminate the bass line, this should sound terrible:

    * *  Mp3 Download • Bass Voice Eliminated (Experiment)

…but I actually like the result!   (oops!)

Here it is with all four voices:

You can hear the individual tracks if you visit the Brébeuf website and scroll to #659.

Getting back to the idea of “common melodies,” the best way I can demonstrate would be to have you visit two more articles. Both utilize that same melody:

    * *  (article) Brébeuf #188

    * *  (article) Brébeuf #517

The idea of “common melodies” in Catholic hymnals—giving choirmasters great flexibility—is hardly a Brébeuf innovation, as you can see:

—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Pope Pius XII Hymnal (1959)
—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Catholic Hymnal (1957)
—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Catholic Hymnal (1936)
—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Catholic Hymnal (1910)
—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Catholic Hymnal (1885)
—O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf • Catholic Hymnal (1989)

P.S.

For the record, the harmonies in that video come from the Brébeuf accompaniment, and notice the beautiful stepwise motion (descending) bass lines. That is best kind of bass line to have, especially when it moves in contrary motion to the Soprano.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Jean de Brebeuf Hymnal 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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Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
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

Random Quote

“The replies to this committee (of which Mgr Bugnini was the secretary) reveal a desire to reform the liturgy. In what sense? Out of 2,109 responses from bishops, just three expressed the desire to restore Communion under both kinds. There was a sizable demand for limited use of the vernacular, but only one French bishop wanted the entire Mass in French.”

— Fr. Dominic Allain (2019)

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