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Views from the Choir Loft

“Gregorian Chant Not In Danger Pope Tells French”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 19, 2022

D.K.N. has kindly shared with us this remarkable newspaper article from 9 April 1964:

Vatican City (9 April 1964):  Pope Paul VI has sought to assuage the fears of those who see the ecumenical council’s Constitution on the Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) as possibly spelling a new eclipse for Gregorian chant. Speaking to a pilgrimage of French teachers of plain-chant, the Pope said: “Are any of you perhaps alarmed at the future applications of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy which was adopted by the council fathers and promulgated by us last December 4th? Let them read that admirable text’s passage concerning liturgical chant, and particularly the following: The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care…” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, Paragraph 114). […] The Pope declared: “As our predecessors often pointed out, this chant has all the qualities required in religious music.”

A picture of the pope circa 1964:

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Pope Paul VI Montini, Sacrosanctum Concilium Last Updated: May 19, 2022

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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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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“I examined him in your presence, and could find no substance in any of the charges you bring against him; nor could Herod, when I referred you to him. It is plain that he has done nothing which deserves death. I will scourge him, and then he shall go free.”

— Pontius Pilate

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