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Corpus Christi Watershed

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 December 2022

Jeff Ostrowski · December 31, 2022

“Requiescat In Pace” • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Josef Ratzinger, who did so much good for the church.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 26, 2022

“… Ripped From A Live-Feed …”

Saint John Vianney, while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, could scarcely speak or breathe (so moved was he).

Jeff Ostrowski · December 24, 2022

PDF • “Silent Night” Harmonization

Here’s a handy organ accompaniment (PDF) in three different key signatures: MIDDLE, HIGH, and LOW. The Latin lyrics (“Silens Nox”) are courtesy of Father Valentine Young, OFM (d. 2020). The organ harmonies are very simple, yet beautiful. Those who desire such a thing may also download a Singer’s Version. For obvious reasons, the choir will […]

Jeff Ostrowski · December 24, 2022

PDF Download • “What Child Is This?” • Jeff’s Arrangement of This Carol … in Latin!

This morning I sat down and arranged what—in my view—is one of the beautiful Christmas carols.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 23, 2022

23 December 2022 • FEEDBACK

A very skilled conductor from another country—who recently posted a recording any conductor would be proud of, displaying a light, pleasant, and professional choral sound—wrote to us on 23 December 2022: “CCWatershed and the Sacred Music Symposia have made a great mark in my musical career and the sound you hear you can proudly say […]

Richard J. Clark · December 23, 2022

John G. Dunn • 1943-2022 • Requiescat In Pace

We mourn the passing of John G. Dunn (1943-2022) Director of Music and Headmaster Emeritus of the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School (currently known as Saint Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square) The Choir School would not exist today without John Dunn’s vision, dedication, and talent.

Keven Smith · December 22, 2022

Five Tips for Saving Your Body During Christmas Liturgies

These easy techniques will help you eliminate tension so you can be at your best.

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Daniel Tucker · December 21, 2022

The Christmas Sequence: Laetabundus

“He that is the Word of the Most High God deigns to take a body unto himself; he assumes our flesh.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

Choirmasters • “How To Avoid Getting Fired”

Anyone who’s ever stood in front of a choir knows the choirmaster’s vocation is not an easy one.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

19 Dec. 2022 • “Include The Congregation?”

People often ask: “Can Gregorian Chant include the congregation?” The answer is: Yes! Listen to this Live Recording from last Sunday (which was the 4th Sunday of Advent). That is one model—not the only model—demonstrating how a congregation could be included. It’s KYRIE XVII, traditionally sung during Advent.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

“Can You Help?” • (Not asking for $ $ $ )

You can help us by adding yourself to our mailing list. It takes less than 5 seconds: (1) Scroll to the bottom of ANY blog article; (2) Enter your email address. It’s that simple. We’re a tiny 501(c)3 public charity. We exist solely by the generosity of small donors. We have no endowment; we have no […]

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

19 Dec. 2022 • “This One Has It All”

In case you missed it, this December 10th article about Dr. Peter Wagner, who founded the GREGORIAN ACADEMY at Fribourg (Switzerland), has it all: (1) A rare download [138 pages] of Dr. Wagner’s Kyriale Accompaniment Book; (2) Biographical information about Dr. Wagner; (3) A special surprise you’ll love; (4) Courtesy of Professor Weaver, a translation […]

Patrick Williams · December 19, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Patrick’s Third Response to Jeff” (19 Dec 2022)

“The original chant handed down from the Fathers of the Church has strict rhythmic proportions and a steady beat.” —Patrick Williams

Jeff Ostrowski · December 19, 2022

J.S. Bach “Alleluia” • Director Posts Live Recording!

Our singers really love this one…

Veronica Moreno · December 18, 2022

Young Boys Who “Play” Mass

A mother describes her son’s love for the Mass. He memorizes and recruits friends to “play Mass.” We are a people of hope.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Simplified Accompaniment (Advent Hymn)
    Many organists are forced to simultaneously serve as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult. I invite you to download this simplified organ accompaniment (PDF) which in the Father Brébeuf Hymnal is hymn #661: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (for ADVENT). I’m toying with the idea of creating a whole bunch of these, to help amateur organists. The last one I uploaded was downloaded more than 2,900 times in a matter of hours—so there appears to be interest.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “Music List” (Immaculate Concep.)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 8 December 2025, the feast of OUR LADY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The fauxbourdon setting of the COMMUNION is exquisite. In Latin, the title of this feast is: In Conceptione Immaculata Beatae Mariae Virginis. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of December (2025)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Pope Leo XIV on Sacred Music
    On 5 December 2025, Pope Leo XIV made this declaration with regard to liturgical music.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Translations Approved for Liturgical Use”
    According to the newsletter for USSCB’s Committee on Divine Worship dated September 1996, there are three (3) translations of the Bible which can be used in the sacred liturgy in the United States. You can read this information with your own eyes. It seems the USCCB and also Rome fully approved the so-called NRSV (“New Revised Standard Version”) on 13 November 1991 and 6 April 1992 but this permission was then withdrawn in 1994.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“A striking detail: at Solesmes, we remember hearing Justine Ward criticize accompaniment sometimes or seeing her cover her ears, especially when the organ accompanied a soloist, which is something she could not accept.”

— Dom Pierre Combe

Recent Posts

  • “Alma Redemptóris Mater” • Everything There Is To Know About This Marian Antiphon
  • Simplified Accompaniment (Advent Hymn)
  • Pope Leo XIV on Sacred Music
  • (5 Dec. 2025) • Pope Leo XIV Speaks on Liturgical Music
  • PDF • “Music List” (Immaculate Concep.)

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