Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • SATB “Sanctus” by Orlando de Lassus

Jeff Ostrowski · October 7, 2019

HERE ARE APPROXIMATELY sixty-two (62) people who sing in the parish choirs I direct, and I have found that rehearsal videos can save time during rehearsals. Very soon we will release a new (updated) website, and we have some incredible contributors lined up—they will begin blogging when the new site launches. One of them grew up singing in England, and has some amazing stories to tell about the way singers in England can sight-read polyphony. I have no idea what he would think of the concept of “rehearsal videos,” but I suppose we will find out soon enough…

We have completed part 1 of a Sanctus by Orlando de Lassus (considered by some to be the greatest composer of all time). When part 2 is finished, we’ll release that, as well.

* * PDF Download • Sanctus & Hosanna (Part 1 of 2)

REHEARSAL VIDEOS for each individual voice and PDF score await you at #81362.

Fun Fact: It turns out that iPad and iPhone can utilize the “search” function on a website. Just start typing something in the actual URL searchbar—e.g. try “81362”—and then something will appear upon which you can select “ON THIS PAGE.” Using the search bar saves time!

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

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).

“Tonus Solemnior” • How old is it?

In the 1962 Missal, a section called “præfationes in tono solemniore” contains ornate melodies for the Preface. An article posted on the blog of the Church Music Association of America claims the tone comes from “the late 19th century” and said its elimination “is one of the very few good things which the post-Conciliar reform did for Gregorian chant.” The author said: “The Roman solemn preface tone is already beautiful enough, there was no need to give a more Romantic feel.”

Some have asked us whether the tonus solemnior comes from “the late 19th century.” It does not. Their author was wrong by at least 400 years. I have seen this tone in MSS from the 1400s—and it may go back even further. Here is an example from 1494AD. And here’s another from the 1400s. The FSSP priests use these tones on high feasts, and the effect is unforgettable.

—Jeff Ostrowski

6 January 2022 • Quick!

A short version of the INTROIT for the feast of the Epiphany has been added to the Saint René Goupil Gregorian Chant Website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Confusing Feasts of Christmas

Whether one considers the Missale Vetustum or the post-conciliar calendar—or even the 1908 calendar—the feasts which follow Christmas are very confusing. Last year I created this comparison chart. I hope you find it helpful. As far as I can tell, my chart is the first effort to carefully detail the changes made to post-Christmas feasts (unless we also count the rather basic one by Lauren Pristas).

—Jeff Ostrowski