Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for August 2019

Richard J. Clark · August 30, 2019

Broken Rosaries and a Triptych of Wisdom

Three priests — three pearls of wisdom

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 27, 2019

Mr. Pete Avendano and His Incredible Choir

Now back in Los Angeles, Avendano hopes to found a Catholic boys choir dedicated solely to singing the Church’s music.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 20, 2019

Five Suggestions • “Music in Our Schools”

If we desire to educate, we should keep our end in mind—to teach children what is good, and to love that good.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 19, 2019

Brébeuf #182 • “Creator Alme Siderum” (Advent)

Most people know this one as “Creator of the stars of night.”

Jeff Ostrowski · August 16, 2019

Symposium 2019 • “Video Outtakes”

Like any other human, I go through difficult times—this conference was a source of strength.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 13, 2019

Five Rules • “Successful Music Camps”

A choirmaster must always be recruiting…and a summer camp is a great recruiting tool.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 7, 2019

Brébeuf #465 • “Christ Ist Erstanden” (In Latin!)

We posted rehearsal videos in English the other day—now they’re given in Latin!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 6, 2019

Brébeuf #661 • “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

It’s okay to start thinking about Advent, which will be here before we know it.

Andrew Leung · August 5, 2019

Southeastern Sacred Music Workshop 2019

The fifth annual Southeastern Sacred Music Workshop in Birmingham, AL, this weekend.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 3, 2019

Brébeuf #379 • “Quem Terra” (Melcombe)

One of the most popular melodies in Catholic hymnals of yesteryear.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 1, 2019

PDF Download • “Sanctus For Two Voices”

“In general, it is better to do something well, however modest, than to attempt something on a grander scale if proper means are lacking.” —Pope Pius XII

Simplified Accompaniment (Easter Hymn)

Number 36 in the Brébeuf Hymnal is “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,” an English translation for Ad Cenam Agni Próvidi (which was called “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” starting 1631). As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for it. Simple click here and scroll to the bottom. Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult—which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments. Sadly, many readers will click that link but forget to scroll to the bottom where the simplified PDF file is located.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Quasi Modo Sunday”

The Introit for “Quasi Modo Sunday” (12 April 2026) is particularly beautiful. The musical score can be downloaded as a PDF file, and so can the organ accompaniment. The official language of the Catholic Church is Latin (whereas Greek is our mother tongue). Vatican II said Gregorian Chant must be given “first place” under normal circumstances. As a result, some parishes will rightly sing the authentic version. On the other hand, because so many USA dioceses disobey the mandate of Vatican II, some musicians sing plainsong in the vernacular. I have attempted to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ while singing the English version. Although very few take advantage of it, the complete Proprium Missae is posted at the flourishing feasts website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

‘German’ Introductions for Hymns

German organ books have an enchanting habit of including introductions for each and every hymn. For example, consider this snazzy example found in a German hymnal published in 1902. In the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal, that melody is called “Laudes Mariae” and was married to Omni Die Dic Mariae, with a popular English translation (“Daily, daily, sing to Mary”) by Father Henry Bittleston, an Oratorian priest. Notice they also added a ‘tailpiece’ or ‘playout’ or postlude at the end—a very German thing to do!

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)

On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026

How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)

I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.

—Jeff Ostrowski