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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

“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

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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).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • 3 September
    According to the MISSALE RECENS, the Feast of Saint Gregory the Great occurs on 3 September (the date Gregory became pope). Formerly, his feast was celebrated during Lent, on 12 March (the day Gregory died). In Latin, the feast is: Die 3 Septembris: S. Gregorii Magni, papæ et Ecclesiæ doctoris. you can download the Latin Introit, the Latin Offertory, as well as the Communion with gorgeous fauxbordon in English. Abbat Joseph Pothier—along with Dom André Mocquereau, Bishop Laurent Janssens, Father De Santi, and other Gregorian superstars—sang with a choir of 1,210 voices (from 36 different Roman colleges) under the direction of Monsignor Antonio Rella. That Mass included the “Alma cohors,” a special SEQUENCE for Saint Gregory…much to the dismay of those who believe in strict adherence to rubrics. The Mass on 11 April 1904 was celebrated by Pope Saint Pius X, at the great GREGORIAN CONGRESS held in Rome “to mark the 13th Centenary of the death of Saint Gregory the Great.” Someday, there’s much I’d love to say about this congress. We even have recordings (!) from it (made in 1904 by the Gramophone Company) with choirs conducted by Dom Pothier, Dom Mocquereau, Dom Janssens, Monsignor Rella, Baron Kanzler, and others.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

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

“Every experienced choirmaster’s work is founded on the following three axioms: (1) Few boys have a really good natural voice; (2) No boy is able to control his voice and produce good tone without training; (3) Most boys have a good ear, and considerable imitative capacity. It is on the last of these axioms that the choirmaster must begin his work.”

— Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1912)

Recent Posts

  • Is ‘Chant’ a Generic Word for ‘Sing’ ? • No!
  • PDF Download • 3 September
  • PDF Download • “Full, Conscious, & Active Participation” (12-page pamphlet)
  • New Bulletin Article • “7 September 2025”
  • Online Breviary With Chant

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