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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

Hymn Experiment • “Does This Work?”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 13, 2023

N AN INTERNET FORUM a few weeks ago, the editor of a Catholic hymnal was bragging about his product. In particular, the editor was bragging about SATB voice settings in his book. Please don’t ask me the person’s name; I’m not going to reveal that. One of the members asked him a straightforward question: “How are the singers supposed to sing the final verse in harmony?” [The hymnal in question was the type of book that had final verses printed at the bottom.] The editor’s response was: “Let me do some research, and I’ll get back to you.”

Cringeworthy Situation • I suppose each of us has a pet peeve. Mine is when church music products are produced (and sold) by individuals with no real-life experience. Think of it! This person was bragging about his harmonies—but he’d never seen how this stuff works in real life. To him, it was like a game, or (as my dad would say) it was “academic.” When asked the most elementary question, he was totally stumped. If memory serves, his exact words were: “Gee, I never thought about that before.” The situation was truly cringeworthy. Sadly, many who produce choral music scores have never stood in front of a choir in real life.

A Better Solution • Our choirs use the Brébeuf Hymnal because the SATB choral supplement deliberately and meticulously notates each verse in a brilliant and powerful way. It gives both conductor and organist mind-blowing freedom … and once you experience it, you’ll never look back.

Hymn Experiment • Because of this freedom, we were able to try an experiment the other day. We sang the first half of each stanza in unison, then added SATB voice parts at the halfway mark. What do you think?

M To access this hymn’s media in the Brébeuf Portal, click here.

For the sake of comparison, here’s the same hymn sung in a more “conventional” manner:

Epiphany Hymn In Latin • I’ve mentioned in the past a project I’m engaged in: viz. creating “Latin versions” for hymns in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal. I’ve created many of these, but I need to find an organized way to add them to the website. These are designed for choirs forbidden to sing in English. Here’s my recent setting of Hostis Herodes Impie, by the fifth-century poet Sedulius:

*  PDF Download • Brébeuf Extension for Number 17
—Please Note: These are different harmonies than what is found in the Brébeuf Hymnal

I could write volumes and volumes about this ancient hymn. Suffice it to say that it’s very famous. (It’s a perfect fit for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.)

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download Tagged With: Baptism of the Lord, Brebeuf Extension Series, SATB Hymn Epiphany, SATB voice parts, Sedulius Epiphany Hymn Last Updated: January 28, 2023

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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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • 3 September
    According to the MISSALE RECENS, the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great occurs on 3 September (the date Gregory became pope). Formerly, his feast was celebrated during Lent, on 12 March (the day Gregory died). In Latin, the feast is: Die 3 Septembris: S. Gregorii Magni, papæ et Ecclesiæ doctoris. you can download the Latin Introit, the Latin Offertory, as well as the Communion with gorgeous fauxbordon in English. Abbat Joseph Pothier—along with Dom André Mocquereau, Bishop Laurent Janssens, Father De Santi, and other Gregorian superstars—sang with a choir of 1,210 voices (from 36 different Roman colleges) under the direction of Monsignor Antonio Rella. That Mass included the “Alma cohors,” a special SEQUENCE for Saint Gregory…much to the dismay of those who believe in strict adherence to rubrics. The Mass on 11 April 1904 was celebrated by Pope Saint Pius X, at the great GREGORIAN CONGRESS held in Rome “to mark the 13th Centenary of the death of Saint Gregory the Great.” Someday, there’s much I’d love to say about this congress. We even have recordings (!) from it (made in 1904 by the Gramophone Company) with choirs conducted by Dom Pothier, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Janssens, Monsignor Rella, Baron Kanzler, and others.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

Quick Thoughts

    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

Random Quote

“Always remember: God opposes the proud.” (leaning into the microphone) “…even when they’re right!”

— ‘Scott Hahn, speaking in Plano, TX’

Recent Posts

  • Is ‘Chant’ a Generic Word for ‘Sing’ ? • No!
  • PDF Download • 3 September
  • PDF Download • “Full, Conscious, & Active Participation” (12-page pamphlet)
  • New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”
  • Online Breviary With Chant

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