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Views from the Choir Loft

Church Music • “Should It Make Your Congregation Happy or Sad?”

Jeff Ostrowski · January 17, 2023

HE CATHOLIC FAITH is very much a “both and” type of thing. It’s usually not an “either or” type of thing. For example, our Redeemer said (Luke 6): “Blessed are ye that hunger.” Yet, we also know that feeding the hungry is one of the CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY. The conscientious choirmaster is very familiar with the “both and” concept. For example, on one hand it’s true that the sacred liturgy is something given to us; it’s not something to be fabricated by us on a weekly basis. After each Mass, we don’t take a poll asking members of the congregation whether the music gave them pleasure. That’s all true.

Other Side of the Coin • On the other hand, I believe that sacred music—even if it’s very simple—should be performed well. It should exhibit a certain excellence. It should be a source of delight for the congregation. In other words, if your priest approaches you after Mass and says the music sounded horrible, it’s incorrect to reply: “Well, that’s how it’s supposed to be.” Indeed, a major problem these days is music directors—even those who consider themselves experts—who cannot tell whether music sounds good.

Tricks of the Trade • Like many of you, I choose repertoire for my choir with great care. Let me share with you a trick I have learned along the way. I always try to balance selections which are melancholy (“sad”) with selections that are bright (“happy”). If 100% of the repertoire you choose for Mass is mournful, the people might complain—and they would not be wrong!

For instance, the Introit last Sunday was rather melancholy (“sad”):

So I made sure to balance it with other selections which were acutely bright (“happy”). Here’s one example:

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

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

Filed Under: Articles, Featured Tagged With: Corporal Works of Mercy, The Conscientious Choirmaster Last Updated: January 17, 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 Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    Introit • Candlemas (2 February)
    “Candlemas” • Our choir sang on February 2nd, and here's a live recording of the beautiful INTROIT: Suscépimus Deus. We had very little time to rehearse, but I think it has some very nice moments. I promise that by the 8th Sunday after Pentecost it will be perfect! (That Introit is repeated on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost.) We still need to improve, but we're definitely on the right track!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Antiphons • “Candlemas”
    Anyone who desires simplified antiphons (“psalm tone versions”) for 2 February, the Feast of the Purification—which is also known as “Candlemas” or the Feast of the Presentation—may freely download them. The texts of the antiphons are quite beautiful. From “Lumen Ad Revelatiónem Géntium” you can hear a live excerpt (Mp3).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦
    Once, after Mass, my pastor said he really loved the hymn we did. I said: “Father, that's Holy God, We Praise Thy Name—you never heard it before?” He replied: “But the way you did it was terrific. For once, it didn't sound like a funeral dirge!” Last Sunday, our volunteer choir sang that hymn. I think the tempo was just about right … but what do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

This was first breach in the walls of a fortress, centuries old, stoutly built, strong and robust, but no longer capable of responding to the spiritual needs of the age. [N.B. the “fortress” is a liturgy which nourished countless great saints.]

— Annibale Bugnini (19 March 1966)

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  • Introit • Candlemas (2 February)
  • Simplified Antiphons • “Candlemas”
  • Apply Right Now! • Sacred Music Symposium
  • Tempo?? • 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘞𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦

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