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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for January 2022

Jeff Ostrowski · January 30, 2022

“Boston Globe” features Richard J. Clark

The music of Mæstro Clark was featured in the “Metro Section,” which has a tremendous circulation.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 19, 2022

100% Scrolling Score • “What Exactly Is Vespers?”

For those who have never experienced Vespers, an answer like that comes across as “gobbledygook.”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 17, 2022

“Tonus Solemnior” • How old is it?

In the 1962 Missal, a section called “præfationes in tono solemniore” contains ornate melodies for the Preface. An article posted on the blog of the Church Music Association of America claims the tone comes from “the late 19th century” and said its elimination “is one of the very few good things which the post-Conciliar reform […]

Jeff Ostrowski · January 17, 2022

“Hymns for Small Choirs” • The Season of Epiphany

Destroying the season of Epiphany was in direct disobedience to Vatican II.

Dr. Charles Weaver · January 16, 2022

The Communion of the Second Sunday after Epiphany

Today’s communion antiphon is a masterpiece of musical exegesis.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 15, 2022

OCP: “Missa Back-To-The-Future” (Not Kidding)

The musical style is totally secular; similar to what one might hear on the radio.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 14, 2022

Free Videos • “How to say the Extraordinary Form”

This was posted in 2013, but you’ll want to bookmark it.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 12, 2022

PDF Download • “Glory To God” (Three Voices)

Those who direct small choirs are always looking for great repertoire.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 11, 2022

“Soloists Vs. Full Choir” • Which Do You Prefer?

A smaller group sings for the 9:00am Mass; a large chorus sings for the 11:00am Mass.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 11, 2022

Small Choir Repertoire: “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” (Two Voices)

My brother immediately said: “I would never use this; it’s terrible, Jeff.” — And he was correct!

Fr. David Friel · January 9, 2022

Introductory Latin Courses • Veterum Sapientia Institute

Opportunities to be immersed in Latin are still available this spring.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 8, 2022

Re: Glaring Lectionary Omission • “Setting The Record Straight”

They were: (1) Cardinal Palazzini; (2) Cardinal Stickler; (3) Cardinal Mayer; (4) Cardinal Oddi; (5) Cardinal Casaroli; (6) Cardinal Gantin; (7) Cardinal Innocenti; (8) Cardinal Ratzinger; (9) Cardinal Tomko.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 7, 2022

6 January 2022 • Quick!

A short version of the INTROIT for the feast of the Epiphany has been added to the Saint René Goupil Gregorian Chant Website.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 6, 2022

PDF Download • “Feast of the Holy Name” (Vespers Organ Accompaniment)

Only fellow choirmasters know how much work choirmasters do “behind the scenes.”

Corpus Christi Watershed · January 5, 2022

“A Plea to the Bishops” • By Monsignor Charles Pope

“As a pastor of souls, I wince at this sort of language directed at good Catholics…” —Monsignor Charles Pope

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
    Liturgical reformers who gained power after Vatican II frequently caused great suffering to musicians. With the stroke of a pen, they sometimes make changes that would require thousands—or even millions—of man hours (work undertaken by composers and editors). The Sprinkling Rite during Eastertide is but one tiny example. The version given in that PDF document was the original melody for Roman Missal, Third Edition. Some still prefer that version. However, at the last moment, an “unknown hand” tinkered with a few notes in the antiphon. Those who examine the current edition can verify this with their own eyes.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
    Plainsong of the Roman Rite has many variants—i.e. slight ‘variations’ or ‘alterations’ made to the ancient melodies. Variants often thrive in particular religious orders. Likewise, before Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, Gregorian Chant variants were frequently associated with individual cathedrals in England: Hereford, Lincoln, Salisbury, and so forth. In the early 20th century, the (Anglican) organist at Westminster Abbey married “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” to this beautiful variant melody from England. Those who sing Gregorian Chant on Good Friday will recognize the melody. What do you think of this pairing?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
    Gustav Adolf Merkel (d. 1885) was a German organist, teacher, and composer. Although a Lutheran himself, he held the appointment at the (Roman Catholic) Cathedral of Dresden from 1864 until his death. You can download his Organ Postlude in E-Flat, which I like very much. He has an interesting way of marking the pedal notes. What do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
    How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)
    I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Holy, Holy, Holy”
    For vigil Masses on Saturday (a.k.a. “anticipated” Masses) we use this simpler setting of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989), a Belgian priest, organist, composer, and music educator who ultimately succeeded another ‘Jules’ (CANON JULES VAN NUFFEL) as director of the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium. Although I could be wrong, my understanding is that the LEMMENSINSTITUUT eventually merged with “Catholic University of Leuven” (originally founded in 1425). That’s the university Fulton J. Sheen attended.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Both of these appointments—of Cardinal Lercaro and Father Bugnini—to key positions on the Consilium made it possible for voices to be heard that could not be heard during the proceedings of the Council, and likewise silenced others.”

— Alfons Cardinal Stickler, Vatican II ‘peritus’

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
  • ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
  • Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?
  • PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
  • Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

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