“We’re In Financial Trouble!” • (June 2023)

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 19, 2023

UR MOST IMPORTANT goal is to keep this website 100% free of charge for everybody. We must avoid placing it behind a paywall. Please help us evade ugly advertisements and obnoxious “pop-up” windows begging for money. Please help us continue to provide insightful articles, fabulous rehearsal videos, scans of rare books, tips on working with volunteer choirs, insights regarding Catholic hymnody, beautiful choral scores, and so much more! Please help us keep our website free to all.

Jeff Ostrowski has published an Urgent Appeal dated 18 June 2023.

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

[Quiz] • “Do You Know Your Hymns?”

In case you missed it, many readers have enjoyed taking this little Quiz On Hymns. In the context of that article, I included a sensational quote about the Holy Mass by Monsignor Ronald Knox. Moreover, I talk about how Abraham Lincoln's mother died, as well as a fabulous Eucharistic hymn by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

—Jeff Ostrowski

William Byrd • Simple “Agnus Dei” Canon

Time flies! Back in July, I posted a PDF setting of a perfect canon by William Byrd (d. 1623) arranged as an AGNUS DEI for three voices. Last Sunday, we sang that arrangement with our volunteer choir. To hear a ‘live’ recording of it, click here (Mp3). In my humble opinion, this would be a perfect piece for a choir just beginning to experiment with polyphony.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)

I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” A female choir director wrote: “I love your harmonizations, your musicality, and the wonderful interplay you have with dissonance and consonance in your music. So fun to listen to, and great for intellect, heart, and soul!” A young woman from California wrote: “Thank you for releasing your new Glory To God in honor of Saint Noel Chabanel. I'm enjoying reading through the various parts and listening to your recordings.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

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