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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 September 2023

Jeff Ostrowski · September 30, 2023

[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 · September 30, 2023

Eight (8) Responsorial Psalm Options • On turning Missalettes into little “gods”

They have embraced a certain opinion about matters and will never change—not even on their deathbed.

Patrick Williams · September 28, 2023

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Nuances of Nuances” (28 Sep 2023)

“Reading deliberate ‘nuances’ into normal variations in handwriting is a solution in search of a problem.” —Patrick Williams

Jeff Ostrowski · September 28, 2023

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 […]

Patrick Williams · September 28, 2023

Active Participation or Not?

“Somehow, an amplified soloist drowning out everyone else is deemed ‘active participation,’ but a choir of thirty voices singing polyphony is not.” —Patrick Williams

Jeff Ostrowski · September 27, 2023

(Not Kidding) • Does Singing for Mass Fulfill One’s Obligation to Attend Mass?

Jeff Ostrowski provides five (5) responses to an assertion made by a priest.

Dr. Charles Weaver · September 27, 2023

A Brief Addendum

In praise of the Cardine approach to chanting, with some further thoughts on pluralism and correctness in performance practice.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 26, 2023

PDF Download • All Seven (7) Movements: “Mass in Honor of Saint Noël Chabanel”

My Mass setting for the Ordinary Form involves your Congregation, your Cantrix, and your Choir.

Corpus Christi Watershed · September 25, 2023

Composer Kevin Allen in Europe!

Can anybody tell where Mæstro Allen is?

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Jeff Ostrowski · September 25, 2023

“Slander!” • (Response to an Accusation We Received)

“Please don’t get cocky and think of your methods as somehow innately superior or universally and inarguably superior in their benefits.” —Email from a Reader

Dr. Charles Weaver · September 24, 2023

Some Questions Answered

Some very quick answers to questions posed by Patrick Williams.

Patrick Williams · September 24, 2023

Concerning Alterations to the Vatican Edition

“I cannot imagine any justification for making such an alteration and still claiming that one’s edition corresponds to the Vaticana.” —Patrick Williams

Daniel Tucker · September 23, 2023

Introducing the CRCCM Repertoire Project

“Here is offered choral music recommendations for all Sundays and major liturgical occasions of the church year, including selected Ritual Masses. The repertoire is submitted by CRCCM members and is offered to all musicians of liturgical churches throughout the world.”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2023

“Everybody Loves Raymond” Actress Responds to Cardinal Dolan

“The ‘Lamb of God’ can reach the length of a baseball game.” —Cardinal Dolan

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · September 23, 2023

PDF Download • “Kyrie for the Ordinary Form in Honor of Saint Thomas More”

A month of William Byrd … in Dallas, Texas!

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Dom Pothier • Photo from 1904
    Dom Paul Cagin, in a 1904 publication (L’oeuvre de Solesmes dans la restauration du chant grégorien) made sure to include a beautiful image of Dom Pothier, the legendary abbot of St-Wandrille. Also shown is a very young Dom André Mocquereau. Auguste Pécoul—considered the spiritual “son” of Abbat Prosper Guéranger of Solesmes—wrote as follows on 24 June 1901: “To forestall any confusion, let us remember that there is just one Gregorian notation—that restored, according to the ancient manuscripts, by the eminent Abbot of Saint-Wandrille, Dom Pothier.” ✠
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “3-Voice Motet” (Father De Laet)
    I believe 99% of our readers will recognize this hymn tune. Perhaps Father Edgard De Laet should have called it a ‘hymn’ instead of a ‘motet for three voices’—but he’s technically correct, since MOTET is defined as: “a short piece of sacred choral music, typically polyphonic and unaccompanied.” The even verses are for three voices, as you will see if you download the PDF score at #20245. The odd verses may be song a cappella SATB or unison with organ.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Hymn for 2 Voices”
    Readers who click on this video will see that it starts with verses of the “Pange Lingua” hymn by Saint Thomas Aquinas (d. 1274) arranged for two voices. However, there’s a polyphonic refrain (“Tantum Ergo”) for three voices, taken from Kevin Allen’s Motecta Trium Vocum. If your choir is very small, this piece is for you! You can download the PDF score free of charge—and you can also utilize the rehearsal videos for each individual voice—by navigating yourself to #20323.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
    I will go to my grave without understanding the lack of curiosity so many people have about the rhythmic modifications made by Dom André Mocquereau. For example, how can someone examine this single sheet comparison chart and at a minimum not be curious about the differences? Dom Mocquereau basically creates a LONG-SHORT LONG-SHORT rhythmic pattern—in spite of enormous and overwhelming manuscript evidence to the contrary. That’s why some scholars referred to his method as “Neo-Mensuralist” or “Neo-Mensuralism.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of January (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. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Simplified)
    I admire the harmonization of “Adeste Fideles” by David Willcocks (d. 2015), who served as director of the Royal College of Music (London, England). In 2025, I was challenged to create a simplified arrangement for organists incapable of playing the authentic version at tempo. The result was this simplified keyboard arrangement (PDF download) based on the David Willcocks version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Feel free to play through it and let me know what you think.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“For any member of laity, who is at least somewhat literate, the ignorance of the Latin tongue, which we can call a truly Catholic language, indicates a certain lack of affection towards the Church.”

— Pope Pius IX

Recent Posts

  • Dom Pothier • Photo from 1904
  • PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
  • PDF • “3-Voice Motet” (Father De Laet)
  • PDF Download • “Hymn for 2 Voices”
  • (January 2026) • “Children Singing Plainsong”

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