• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

  • About
  • Symposium
  • Hymnal
  • Jogues Missal
  • Site Map
  • Donate
Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • The Most Difficult Piece! (Sacred Music Symposium 2020)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 17, 2020

OME EXTREMELY intelligent people are terrified of Coronavirus possibly spreading in America. On the other hand, some very smart people have pointed out that our “reaction”—in spite of its good intention—might cause serious and irreparable damage to the country. For instance, so many people have already lost employment because of the governmental regulations. They are now unable to earn money for their families. No matter which “side” you are on, I think we can all agree that Americans stuck at home should use their time in a productive manner. We are, therefore, trying to release as much music as we can, so you can start rehearsing for Sacred Music Symposium 2020.

Here is a rehearsal video for the most challenging piece of all. It is the “Hosanna” section of the Sanctus. (The other movements will be added soon.)

You can download the PDF, and rehearse each individual voice by locating #79467. (Currently, it’s at the very top, so you will find it easily.)

By the way, you should visit the Symposium website and read the “Official Statement on Coronavirus,” posted earlier today.

We have already spoken about the magnificent Missa Mille Regretz by Cristóbal de Morales, a Spanish priest who was one of greatest composers of all time. You will be hearing a lot more about it. For the time being, you can listen to the chanson (“Mille regretz”) if you click here. You can also hear the Hilliard Ensemble sing this “Hosanna” if you go to the 3:03 marker.

I have much more to say about Missa Mille Regretz…so please stay tuned!

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: March 17, 2020

Subscribe to the CCW Mailing List

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).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

16 May 2022 • Harmonized Chant?

This year’s upcoming Sacred Music Symposium will demonstrate several ways to sing the CREDO at Mass. This is because—for many parishes—to sing a full-length polyphonic CREDO by Victoria or Palestrina is out of the question. Therefore, we show options that are halfway between plainsong and polyphony. You can hear my choir rehearsing a section that sounds like harmonized plainsong.

—Jeff Ostrowski
14 May 2022 • “Pure” Vatican Edition

As readers know, my choir has been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana. That is to say, the official rhythm which—technically—is the only rhythm allowed by the Church. I haven’t figured out how I want the scores to look, so in the meantime we’ve been using temporary scores that look like this. Stay tuned!

—Jeff Ostrowski
14 May 2022 • Gorgeous Book

If there is a more beautiful book than Abbat Pothier’s 1888 Processionale Monasticum, I don’t know what it might be. This gorgeous tome was today added to the Saint John Lalande Online Library. I wish I owned a physical copy.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“The sun, at one moment surrounded with scarlet flame, at another aureoled in yellow and deep purple, seemed to be in an exceedingly swift and whirling movement, at times appearing to be loosened from the sky and to be approaching the earth, strongly radiating heat.”

— ‘Dr. Domingos Pinto Coelho, noted lawyer from Lisbon and chairman of the Bar Association (1917)’

Recent Posts

  • Summer Ward Method Courses • CUA 2022
  • PDF Download • 2022 “Vespers Booklet” (99 Pages)
  • “Playing the Pipe Organ” • By Richard Nixon
  • 16 May 2022 • Harmonized Chant?
  • Prayer of Abandonment,  Saint Charles de Foucauld

Copyright © 2022 Corpus Christi Watershed · Gabriel Lalemant on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.