Views from the Choir Loft

“A New Era Of Church Music”

Corpus Christi Watershed · February 9, 2022

HERE ARE TWO KINDS of people in this world: Those who have stood in front of a choir in real life, and those who have not. Those who have “walked the walk” realize that directing a church choir is no easy task. Moreover, they understand the last thing needed by church musicians is another collection of goofy, syrupy, mawkish hymns. What is needed is a hymnal based on the authentic treasury of Catholic hymnody, featuring timeless and robust melodies, with accurate translations by priests and bishops. And this is what Sophia Institute Press provides, with the Brébeuf Collection. A new era of church music has arrived!

Sample pages from the pew edition:

The Brébeuf collection is printed & sold exclusively by Sophia Institute Press, using special paper from Finland. Plastic shrink-wrap is used to protect this precious delivery:

A fascinating full-color section includes the ARCH (“Authentic Roman Catholic History”) of vernacular hymnody—with beautiful illustrations:

The Brébeuf hymnal is truly unique; it does not mimic or “build upon” Protestant models. Sixteen (16) instructions at the beginning of the book explain:

The Brébeuf hymnal includes three (3) versions of the Stations of the Cross: one by Father Fulton J. Sheen, one by Cardinal Ratzinger, and one by Alphonsus Liguori:

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

Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”

From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“The Worm That Dieth Not”

My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Pius XII Hymnal?

Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Hybrid” Chant Notation?

Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.

—Corpus Christi Watershed