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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 February 2022

Jeff Ostrowski · February 27, 2022

PDF Download • Quinquagesima Vespers

I created a booklet for my choir. (The congregation already has their own booklet). This booklet is for Quinquagesima Vespers, and you can download it if you desire. Print on “double sided” and the booklet will come out correctly. The polyphonic Magnificat is not included in that booklet, since the choir members have it in […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 26, 2022

FEEDBACK • 25 February 2022

We love receiving mail from our readers. Here are two messages we received today from two different music directors in Canada: (1) “We are a small Schola in Yukon, Canada and love your practice videos repertoire.” (2) “Thank you so much for the indispensable work that you are doing to rebuild the musical life of […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 26, 2022

PDF Download • Missa Philomena (Philippe Verdelot)

This music is from a much earlier period; and you can tell.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 26, 2022

“Common” Hymn Tunes? • Another Example

The first text is for the “pre-Lent” season…

Jeff Ostrowski · February 24, 2022

Cardinal Cupich’s Diocese • “What Mass Looks Like”

The “primary cross” for most young men has to do with temptations against the 6th Commandment.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 22, 2022

PDF Download • No More OCP “Breaking Bread”

This powerful response—by a Catholic priest—is without question one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever read.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 19, 2022

A Fugue that “explains” itself

One of my choir members sent me this Ontological Fugue. If you can get past the performance—which is terrible (perhaps on purpose)—you will learn an awful lot about fugues. In my opinion, whoever created that score is a genius! It would be awesome to know from a professional theorist, such as Charles Weaver, whether they […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 18, 2022

Eucharistic Hymn • By a Jesuit Martyr Priest

English has words whose meanings directly contradict each other (such as “cleave” or “sanction”).

Jeff Ostrowski · February 16, 2022

Sound superb! … with just 2 minutes of rehearsal

I’m someone who harbors an irrational fear of anything I’m not familiar with.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 13, 2022

“Alleluia” • Gone For Good?

Two days ago, Bishop Ronald Fabbro of London (Ontario) released a rigid decree. Much could be said, but let’s take just one item. Bishop Fabbro demands that everyone adhere to “the celebration of Mass as found in the new Roman Missal (2011).” Then, in the very next sentence, he rigidly demands that all priests celebrate […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 12, 2022

Attention! • “15,283 Signatures … More Needed”

I’m generally against online petitions, but here’s the thing…

Jeff Ostrowski · February 11, 2022

Breaking! • Bishop Lobsinger Forbids Spanish and French (for Confession & Last Rites)

Spanish may no longer be used (starting 3/6/2022) for the Sacrament of Confession or the Last Rites.

Corpus Christi Watershed · February 9, 2022

“A New Era Of Church Music”

Also included are three (3) versions of the Stations of the Cross, by Fulton J. Sheen, Cardinal Ratzinger, and Alphonsus Liguori.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 8, 2022

Ruth Slenczynska & “Traditionis Custodes”

Bishop Arthur Roche recently sent out puzzling instructions which encourage “Ordinary Form” Catholics to ostracize and belittle those who prefer the Traditional Mass.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 7, 2022

Fr. Fortescue • “Sequences”

Originally, the Sequence began as farcing of the long neum at the end of the ALLELUIA (the “jubilus”), as did the alleluiatic verse. This does not mean that all the notes of our sequences were originally neums of a jubilus; but once the idea was admitted, numberless sequences were composed and added at this point. […]

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?
    When it comes to singing Responsorial Psalms in Fauxbourdon, what does this sound like in practice? Can such a thing be done successfully with volunteer choirs in real Catholic parishes? Listen to this audio excerpt from Good Friday and see what you think. Our parish volunteer choir did so well this year—and the ceremonies were ‘standing room only’. For the record, that musical score can be downloaded (completely free of charge) from the flourishing feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (Easter Sunday, 2026)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I created for Easter Sunday—a.k.a. “Ad Missam in die Paschae”—which is 5 April 2026. Please feel free to download it as a PDF file if such a thing interests you. The Fauxbourdon for Communion is particularly moving.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
    On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

Random Quote

Jeffrey Tucker: “What are your thoughts on what passes for sacred music in most Catholic parishes today?” Richard Morris: “There’s nothing sacred about it. The tunes, rhythms, and messages are drawn mainly from secular culture. When it isn’t aesthetically repugnant and downright offensive to the Faith, it is utterly forgettable.”

— James Richard Morris (concert organist)

Recent Posts

  • PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
  • Gregorian Chant … with Organ Accompaniment?
  • Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?
  • Music List • (Easter Sunday, 2026)
  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”

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