Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • “Sanctus for Three Voices” (Soprano, Alto, and Bass)

Jeff Ostrowski · April 6, 2021

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Harmonized Plainsong :

Today I would like to speak about the concept of harmonized Gregorian chant. In the past, we have seen this with “O Filii Et Filiae” by Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel. You can hear a recording, or you can download the score if you go scroll down to #5909.

Here is a “harmonized chant” by the successor of Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel, a wonderful composer named Monsignor Jules Vyverman. We were only allowed to have one rehearsal for Easter Sunday (thanks to Mdme. Covid-19) so we quickly put together this SANCTUS for three voices:

* PDF Download • “SANCTUS” for Soprano, Alto, and Bass
—A setting Monsignor Jules Vyverman.

Richard Rice Kyrie VIII :

Another fantastic example of harmonized plainsong is the Mass VIII (Missa de Angelis) setting by Richard Rice. Thanks to generous permission from the composer (21 June 2015), you can download the score and rehearsal videos at #4781. Moreover, Mr. Rice has composed a complete setting of all the movements to Mass VIII.

Here is the live recording from Easter Sunday in Los Angeles.

Of course I am biased, but I really feel there are some glorious moments here—in spite of the fact it was done with only one rehearsal. I’m so proud of the way the singers have responded to the draconian restrictions of Covid-19.

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

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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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

PDF • “Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent)

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 21 December 2025, which is the 4th Sunday of Advent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is the famous “Roráte Coeli” and the fauxbourdon setting of the COMMUNION is exquisite. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 Dec.)

The Responsorial Psalm may be downloaded as a PDF file (organist & vocalist) for 12 December, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When it comes to the formulary for this Mass, it’s astounding how infrequently it’s included in official books. Prior to Vatican II, one had to search through “supplemental material” printed in the back of hand-missals and graduals. But since 1970, the feast is virtually nonexistent. According to the UNIVERSAL KALENDAR, 12 December is the “Feast of Saint Jane Frances De Chantal, Religious” (Die 12 decembris: S. Ioannæ Franciscæ de Chantal, religiosæ). Why should that feast overpower Our Lady of Guadalupe? In the United States, OLG is celebrated—and I’d assume in Mexico, Central America, South America, and Canada—but, as I said, the Propria Missae are virtually impossible to locate. I possess only three books which mention this feast.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Simplified Accompaniment (Advent Hymn)

Many organists are forced to simultaneously serve as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult. I invite you to download this simplified organ accompaniment (PDF) which in the Father Brébeuf Hymnal is hymn #661: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (for ADVENT). I’m toying with the idea of creating a whole bunch of these, to help amateur organists. The last one I uploaded was downloaded more than 2,900 times in a matter of hours—so there appears to be interest.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”

Those searching for a dignified, brief, simple, bright setting of SANCTUS in Spanish (“Santo Santo Santo”) are invited to download this Setting in honor of Saint John Brébeuf (organist & vocalist). I wonder if there would be any interest in me recording a rehearsal video for this piece.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Pope Leo XIV on Sacred Music

On 5 December 2025, Pope Leo XIV made this declaration with regard to liturgical music.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Translations Approved for Liturgical Use”

According to the newsletter for USSCB’s Committee on Divine Worship dated September 1996, there are three (3) translations of the Bible which can be used in the sacred liturgy in the United States. You can read this information with your own eyes. It seems the USCCB and also Rome fully approved the so-called NRSV (“New Revised Standard Version”) on 13 November 1991 and 6 April 1992 but this permission was then withdrawn in 1994.

—Corpus Christi Watershed