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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

Archives for February 2024

Jeff Ostrowski · February 29, 2024

Relics of Father Brébeuf Touring the United States!

“They are the relics of the love of God which alone triumphs in the death of martyrs,” exclaimed Father Ragueneau.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2024

“Palestrina500” • Sacred Heart Parish (Michigan)

Jean Calvin (d. 1564) famously detested sacred music. Ironically, Jonathan Bading—a convert from Calvinism!—has become one of the Church’s “leading lights” when it comes to authentic church music.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2024

PDF Download • “Two-Voice Polyphony For Lent”

Found in a special choral collection by Maria von Trapp.

Keven Smith · February 20, 2024

Choir Doesn’t Sound “Musical” Enough? Here’s What May Be MiSSSing

How a simple technique called “SSS” can bring out the elegance of any phrase.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Jeff Ostrowski · February 16, 2024

PDF Download • “For the Season of Lent” (SATB)

It even sounds great with four (4) singers: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass!

Jeff Ostrowski · February 15, 2024

Offered in a Spirit of Dialogue

Pope Francis said famously: “To dialogue entails a cordial reception, not a prior condemnation.” The following brief utterances of mine are offered in that spirit. Pope Saint Pius X called the sacred liturgy “the primary and indispensable source of the true Christian spirit.” If the reformers had told the fathers of Vatican II they desired […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 15, 2024

Josquin Des Prez Was A Vandal • (Not Kidding)

Also included: the day my life changed forever.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 14, 2024

Polyphony For Three Voices!

Writing excellent music is easier in four voices than three. We often sing from MATRI DIVINAE GRATIAE, a 3-voice collection by Kevin Allen for Soprano, Alto, and Bass. Someone made a recording of my volunteer choir singing “Si Ambulávero” (from that collection). This “raw recording” starts toward the end of the psalm tone then launches […]

Corpus Christi Watershed · February 13, 2024

PDF Download • “Jesuit Martyrs of North America” (Stained Glass Window) — High Resolution

From “American Martyrs Catholic Church” in Manhattan Beach, California.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 13, 2024

“Ite, Missa Est” • What Does That Actually Mean?

Bishop Ambo’s assertion that Mass was attended—for centuries—by a single woman (and nobody else) is bizarre.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 10, 2024

PDF Download • “Chant Chart”

A thoughtful priest from another country wrote me a magnificent message praising a PDF comparison chart I recently posted. It deals with “staffless” CARMEN GREGORIANUM (Gregorian Chant). Download it for free by scrolling to the bottom of this article. Of course, I hope you will read the article instead of just scrolling past it.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 10, 2024

Must We “Love” All Gregorian Chant?

Where “Parce Dómine” (the famous song for Lent) came from.

Guest Author · February 8, 2024

Father Robbie Low: “The State of Catholic Music”

“Music has an immense part to play in this perception of the divine reality and the heavenward leanings of the soul.” —Fr Robbie Low

Jeff Ostrowski · February 7, 2024

“Somber Song!” • Sexagesima Sunday

As we approach the holy season of Lent, the prayers and readings become more lengthy. When we arrive at Easter, the prayers and readings will become extremely brief. As we get closer to Lent, some of the music becomes quite somber. I can’t think of a more somber piece than the INTROIT for Sexagesima Sunday. […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 6, 2024

“Reader Feedback” • 6 February 2024

The word 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 can mean “not punctual” or “dead.”

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    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
    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —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

“What will be the results of this innovation? The results expected, or rather desired, are that the faithful will participate in the liturgical mystery with more understanding, in a more practical, a more enjoyable and a more sanctifying way.” [Enjoyable?]

— Pope Paul VI (26 Nov 1969)

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”
  • Online Breviary With Chant
  • “Dynamic Equivalence” • Serious Problems with the Forthcoming Lectionary Translation
  • Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
  • Exec. Director of ICEL weighs in on our series • “PDF comparison chart” included

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