Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for June 2023

Jeff Ostrowski · June 6, 2023

“Best & Worst Responses” • This Survey Was Responded To By 300+ Church Musicians

You’re probably thinking: “Jeff, if you think Father Rossini’s narrow-mindedness was bad, get ready for a rude awakening when you see what we’re up against in 2023.”

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Patrick Torsell · June 2, 2023

“Colorado Sacred Music Conference” August 9-10 (2023) • Highlands Ranch, CO

The Mass celebrants include Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs!

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 1, 2023

PDF Download • “Epitome Gradualis Romani” • Professionally Scanned — 1,106 pages!

Years ago, I struggled with being a “people pleaser.” (That means saying whatever will please the person standing in front of you.)

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Music List • “Ascension of the Lord”

Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for this coming Sunday.

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—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “For Pentecost Sunday”

There’s a triple ‘allelúja’ and I just love the chord at the end of the 2nd iteration.

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—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Organ Accompaniment”

The following declaration will probably smack of “blowing my own horn.”

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—Jeff Ostrowski

“Thee” + “Thou” + “Thine”

Few musicians realize that various English translations of Sacred Scripture were granted formal approval by the USCCB and the Vatican for liturgical use in the United States of America. But don’t take my word for it! Here are four documents proving this, which you can examine with your own eyes. Some believe the words “Thine” and “Thou” and “Thee” were forbidden after Vatican II—but that’s incorrect. For example, they’re found in the English translation of the ‘Our Father’ at Mass. Moreover, the Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) mentioned in those four documents employs “Thine” and “Thou” and “Thee.” It was published with a FOREWORD by Westminster’s Roman Catholic Archbishop (John Cardinal Heenan).

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Reminder” — Month of May (2026)

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. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Simplified Version • “Canon in D” (Pachelbel)

I published an article on 11 November 2023 called Wedding March For The Lazy Organist, which rather offhandedly made reference to a simplified version I created in 2007 for Pachelbel’s Canon. I often use it as a PROCESSIONAL for weddings and quinceañeras. Many organists say they “hate” Pachelbel’s Canon. But I love it. I think it’s bright and beautiful. I created that ‘simplified version’ for musicians coming to grips with playing the pipe organ. It can be downloaded as a free PDF if you visit Andrea Leal’s article dated 15 August 2022: Manuals Only: Organ Interludes Based on Plainsong. Specifically, it is page 84 in that collection—generously offered as a free PDF download. Johann Pachelbel (d. 1706) was a renowned German organist, violinist, teacher, and composer of over 500 works. A friend of Bach’s family, he taught Johann Christoph Bach (Sebastian Bach’s eldest brother) and lived in his house. Those who read Pachelbel’s biography will notice his connection to two German cities adopted as famous hymn tune names: EISENACH and ERFURT.

—Jeff Ostrowski