• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

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.”

  • Donate
  • Our Team
    • Our Editorial Policy
    • Who We Are
    • How To Contact Us
    • Sainte Marie Bulletin Articles
    • Jeff’s Mom Joins Fundraiser
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • Repository • “Spanish Music”
    • KYRIALE • Saint Antoine Daniel
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Catechism of Gregorian Rhythm
    • Father Enemond Massé Manuscripts
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
    • Feasts Website
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Secrets of the Conscientious Choirmaster
    • “Wedding March” for lazy organists
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
    • The Eight Gregorian Modes
    • Gradual by Pothier’s Protégé
    • Seven (7) Considerations
Views from the Choir Loft

“Entrance Chant” for this Coming Sunday • Jeff Attempts to Accompany Himself on the Organ

Jeff Ostrowski · November 6, 2024

EADERS MIGHT BE surprised to learn about the “hidden crosses” associated with running a blog. For one thing, we’re in the public eye. As a result, we become a target for mentally-ill church musicians with too much time on their hands. Although we’re frequently the recipients of defamation, we cannot defend ourselves.1 On a personal level, I’ve accumulated several ‘shadows’ who follow me wherever I go. Have you heard the shadow rhyme?

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
and what can be the use of him is more than I can see.

These ‘shadows’ become obsessed with me and besmirch my reputation wherever they can, relentlessly lying about me on internet forums, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and so forth. Unpleasantness like this is, unfortunately, the cost of doing business.

Curiosity Killed The Cat • Here’s another example: we sometimes publish emails we receive, but (for the sake of anonymity) we withhold actual names. Whenever we do this, certain people accuse us of creating ‘fake’ letters. Others can’t resist wild speculation about the true identity of our correspondents, and end up arriving at false conclusions. Quite literally, we are “damned if we do damned if we don’t.”

Other Side Of The Coin • But being involved with this blog also brings rich rewards. I truly believe that singing CARMEN GREGORIANUM lifts one’s spirits in a way nothing short of miraculous. Do you agree or disagree? For example, the ENTRANCE CHANT for this coming Sunday is an absolute delight. Playing it on the organ makes me feel happy:

*  PDF Download • Singer’s Score (Treble Clef)
*  PDF Download • ORGAN ACCOMPANIMENT (2 Pages)

Here’s the direct URL link.

Females Need Not Apply? • Anyone familiar with True Crime television knows the FBI creates “profiles” of criminals whom police are trying to apprehend. When the criminal finally gets caught, 9 out of 10 times the FBI had described him perfectly. I mentioned earlier that I’ve picked up several shadows—i.e. stalkers who are obsessed with me and take every opportunity to besmirch my reputation online. (One in particular has been ‘after me’ since I lived in Texas and shows no signs of relenting.) The other day, I realized something: 100% of these malicious ‘shadows’ are men and 100% are unmarried. (Not one of them is female.) I suppose that’s why they have so much time on their hands!

Today’s Lesson • If you plan on running a blog, expect this kind of thing. Plan for it. Factor it into the equation. As Archbishop Sheen used to say: “Count the costs!” Know that for every 1 email you receive praising your work you’ll receive 100 attacking your efforts. Each morning, before you turn on your phone, make a daily offering. Monsignor Skeris used to secretly offer Mass for his enemies. Indeed, great saints like Father Isaac Jogues rejoiced when they were given the opportunity to do kind acts for the very people who had tortured them without mercy. May God grant us the grace to imitate them!

Apel Addendum • This Sunday’s Introit in Latin (“Intret Oratio”) was cited by Willi Apel as an example of “tonal instability.” Here’s what he had to say:

1 Numerous factors make it inadvisable, unwise, and impossible for us to defend ourselves. For one thing, it would require immense amounts of time and energy—two things we lack. Also, a serious person knows to adhere always to the famous maxim: “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty … and the pig likes it.” But it can be difficult to remain silent—especially when the slander is utterly preposterous and easily refuted.

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

Filed Under: Articles, PDF Download Tagged With: Carmen Gregorianum, Chaumonot Composers Group, Chaumonot Entrance Chant Collection, Intret Oratio Willi Apel, Tonal Instability Willi Apel Last Updated: November 7, 2024

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

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 Michigan. —(Read full biography).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 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 (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    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

Random Quote

Benedict XVI in particular felt it was wrong to prohibit the celebration of Mass in the ancient rite in parish churches, as it is always dangerous to corner a group of faithful so as to make them feel persecuted and to inspire in them a sense of having to safeguard their identity at all costs in the face of the “enemy.”

— Archbishop Georg Gänswein

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
  • How do you pronounce this word in Latin?
  • Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
  • Children’s Repertoire: “3 Recommendations”
  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2025 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.