Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for December 2020

Jeff Ostrowski · December 6, 2020

“Homily — 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B” • Father Valentine Young, OFM

Yes, these are extraordinary times—and they require something extraordinary from us.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 2, 2020

Book Title • “English As She Is Spoke”

One who translates Aquinas expects to be cross-examined by those who understand philosophy and Latin; but Bible translators are liable to be cross-examined by anybody, because everybody thinks he knows what the Bible means.

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Jeff Ostrowski · December 2, 2020

(Ecuador) • Archbishop Poisoned on Good Friday

It happened during the “Mass of the Presanctified” celebrated on Good Friday, 30 March 1877.

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Veronica Brandt · December 1, 2020

Latin Mass Gospel Reading Video: Boost your Sunday

Reviewing the Sunday readings ahead of time is a highly recommended exercise. Now enjoy a crossword puzzle at the same time!

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6 May 2021 • FEEDBACK

A reader from St. Louis, Missouri, wrote to us: “The work you and your team do is quite possibly the most valuable resource I have come across as a younger Sacred music director and organist. The Brébeuf Hymnal is my most used and referenced resource. Although my church has not adopted it yet (I will continue to work on that), it is my most prized liturgical resource … truly a work of sacred art and beauty! I have spent the last year consuming articles and purchasing some of the printed resources you put out. Any help for a young music director is fully and warmly welcomed. I believe that building young choirs and inspiring the youth toward sacred music might just be one of the most important tasks set before us.” [Read more feedback.]

—Jeff Ostrowski

22 April 2021 • SATB Plainsong?

In an emergency, we pull out random hymns from the Brébeuf hymnal. The Brébeuf choral supplement has every single verse—every single verse—written out, which makes reading SATB a breeze. Last Sunday, we pulled out an Easter hymn which is a mix between plainsong and metrical hymnody…and I think this live recording came out nicely! Please see whether you agree.

—Jeff Ostrowski

22 April 2021 • ICTUS ALERT

My friends, for the record, this coming Sunday has something which is pretty rare. It is an example of Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes adding an ictus marking to their previous (1908) version of the Graduale Romanum. You can examine before and after. Do I feel better, having pointing this out? I absolutely do…

—Jeff Ostrowski