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

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Views from the Choir Loft

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” • Original Setting in Latin for Two Voices

Jeff Ostrowski · November 28, 2021

HEN THE FAMOUS HYMN “Veni Veni Emmanuel” first appeared in the 1850s, it was claimed that its tune was ancient. However, as time went on, many wondered if the melody had actually been composed in the 19th century. In the 1960s, Mother Thomas More—a student of Nadia Boulanger—discovered that the melody was indeed ancient, going back to the 15th century (or earlier).

Here’s the authentic hymn, which was written for two voices:

You can learn this version (PDF) with the help of these rehearsal videos:

EQUAL VOICES : YouTube   •   Mp3 Audio

PRIMUS : YouTube   •   Audio

SECUNDUS : YouTube   •   Audio

THE TUNE IS QUITE ANCIENT, but in those days it was used during Masses for the Dead. It was a “trope” (poetic extension) for the Responsory Libera Me. As you can see by this 15th century manuscript, it flows beautifully back into the Responsory:

The ancient text was “Bone Jesu dulcis cunctis.” Do I suggest using this tune for funerals in the year 2021? I do not…

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Easy Polyphony For Amateurs, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Veni Veni Emmanuel Last Updated: November 28, 2021

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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).

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Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

These prayers were not peculiar to Good Friday in the early ages (they were said on Spy Wednesday as late as the eighth century); their retention here, it is thought, was inspired by the idea that the Church should pray for all classes of men on the day that Christ died for all. Duchesne is of opinion that the “Oremus” now said in every Mass before the Offertory—which is not a prayer—remains to show where this old series of prayers was once said in all Masses.

— Catholic Encyclopedia (1909)

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