Views from the Choir Loft

Rehearsal Video • Breathtaking Morales “Sanctus”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 21, 2020

ARIOUS CATHOLIC SAINTS—such as Padre Pio, Don Bosco, and St. John Vianney—have warned against the sin of idle gossip. Successful choirmasters almost never partake in gossip, because they are usually so overworked they have no time for it. Idle gossip would include constant & unceasing speculation about Covid-19 and the future; and I certainly will not add to such speculation. I would point out, however, that so many people staying home is a perfect opportunity to prepare for Sacred Music Symposium 2020. For this reason, CCWatershed contributors—Veronica Moreno, Andrea Leal, and Cynthia Ostrowski—have come together (digitally) to help me start recording rehearsal videos!

Here is the Sanctus by Father Morales “Missa Mille Regretz” Cappella Sistina MS 17:

Note: You won’t want to miss the “Hosanna” section!

You can also download this song as an Mp3 file.

If you dislike our version, you can hear a professional recording by the Hilliard Ensemble.

Sacred Music Symposium Participants

If you are planning to participate in June, please scroll to the bottom of the Symposium website and you will notice rehearsal videos have slowly begun to appear. Please practice! By the way, the success of the Symposium is not only due to the people who run the Symposium—it’s also due to the participants. The participants, whether they know it or not, are joining a proud line of Catholic Church musicians going back at least 120 years. If you read the old journals—such as Caecilia Magazine—you can find many descriptions of church music conferences.

Regarding this Sanctus by Father Morales, there is an amazing history behind this piece. We have already begun the process of explaining it, but there is much more to discuss. However, when it comes to complicated topics, they must be presented in an organized and proper way—otherwise they just lead to confusion. So please stay tuned!

About Jeff Ostrowski

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children.

“Daily I sat in the temple, close to you…”

Fulton J. Sheen always said the “very best translation” of Sacred Scripture was the version by Monsignor Ronald Knox, and here’s what Knox had for the Passion read today (Pre-1955 Palm Sunday): “And Jesus said to the multitude at that hour, You have come out to my arrest with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber; and yet I used to sit teaching in the temple close to you, day after day, and you never laid hands on me.” (Mt 26:55)

Did you catch that? Our Lord sat close to them! He was near them! The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity touched them, and was friendly toward them! Truly, the people who can hurt us the most—and betray us the most—are those whom we have loved.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski