Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • Hymn for the Assumption • (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2021

HEN THE DOGMA of the Assumption was formally declared ex cathedra by Pope Pius XII—by means of Munificentissimus Deus (1 November 1950)—new propers were revealed. Dom Joseph Gajard tells the complete story in The Gregorian Review (Volume 1, Number 4, July-August 1954). The Alleluia verse (Assúmpta est María) was not changed … and that’s a good thing because it’s really beautiful. Indeed, it’s one of the oldest chant melodies we possess—which is odd, because it almost sounds like it’s in a Major Key.

Here’s a hymn that was originally for the Assumption, but currently can be used on numerous other Marian feasts as well:

* PDF Download • Hymn for the Assumption (SATB)

—The English translation is from the Brébeuf hymnal.

—To hear what the harmonies sound like, go here and scroll down to Number 158.

—The feast of the Assumption falls on a Sunday this year.

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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

Seven (7) Hymn Verses for November!

In the month of November, we remember in a special way the souls in purgatory. The BRÉBEUF HYMNAL often includes text alone versions for its hymns; why is that? The short answer is: flexibility. The “text only” version allows each choirmaster to employ a myriad of melodies. For example, I recently set the English translation of “De Profúndis” with the DAVOST MELODY (PDF). We are singing this before November ends. Indeed, you can hear our volunteer singing this (in real life) if you click here.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Worst Hymn Pairing Of All Time?

For hymns in the Brébeuf Portal not yet recorded by human voices, I’ve been attempting to create recordings on the pipe organ. My latest attempt (Mp3) is a hymn called “DAVOST.” It’s a nice tune, but it must be paired with just the right lyrics. Do sickening examples of hymn pairings exist? Oh, most certainly! To download the most ghastly pairing I know, try this one—if your stomach is strong enough. If such things interest you, check out: “Six Pernicious Hymn Pairings.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff’s Attempt at Pipe Organ “Stops”

I've been attempting to record some Brébeuf hymns on the pipe organ, but I know very little about registration (“stops”). You can listen to this morning's attempt, a recording of a tune called TRINITY COLLEGE. Do you know this tune? It's quite nice. Feel free to email me vis-à-vis the registration I chose. To quickly locate all instances of the TRINITY COLLEGE melody in the Brébeuf Hymnal, search the magic portal for “Trinity College.”

—Jeff Ostrowski