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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

In Memoriam • Dr. William Mahrt

Fr. David Friel · January 2, 2025

T THE VERY START of this Jubilee year, we mourn the passing of Dr. William Mahrt, who died late in the afternoon of January 1, 2025. One of the world’s foremost authorities on Gregorian chant, Dr. Mahrt was a tremendous teacher whose depth of scholarship was matched by his greatness of soul. Dr. Mahrt’s writings in musicology, especially within the realm of Gregorian chant, are truly magisterial. Readers of the CMAA’s Sacred Music journal will remember Bill’s insightful and pithy editorials in each issue, almost always bearing a one- or two-word title. His reviews of repertoire in the same journal show forth his unparalleled mastery of chant and polyphony. The 2012 reworking of a number of earlier articles into the book The Musical Shape of the Liturgy was a great gift for a new generation of men and women who are dedicated, like Bill, to promoting the Church’s treasury of sacred music at the parish level.

This is one of the most remarkable things about Bill’s professional life: although he was ever the scholar, he was never removed from the demands of actual liturgical praxis. He led a successful career as a professor at Stanford University (his alma mater), and he also led the St. Ann Choir week-by-week in rehearsal and at Sunday Mass in Palo Alto continuously for more than fifty years. Bill was no ivory tower academic, but a brilliant and faithful man who had tasted heaven in the chants of the Church and who ardently shared his knowledge and love for sacred music with his fellow parishioners and musicians.

Numerous times, I heard Dr. Mahrt give lectures and presentations on sacred music, always learning something from what he taught. Occasionally, while participating together in various conferences, I had the chance to share a meal with him, which always felt like sitting at the feet of a (very humble) master. On a few occasions, I also had the imposing task of presenting papers on musical topics in his presence, during the course of which I cited one or more of his works. I will never forget his kindness and encouragement to me on those occasions.

Dr. Mahrt’s death is a real loss for his family and for so many others who came to love him for his gentleness and generosity, as well as his erudition and accomplishments.

AINT PAUL describes the way in which the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in human souls: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). According to this standard, Bill was a man very much filled with the Holy Spirit.

We pray that Dr. Mahrt may soon sing alongside the angels and saints as part of the heavenly choir. Requiescat in pace!

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Church Music Association of America CMAA, New Liturgical Movement Blog, William Mahrt Gregorian Chant Last Updated: January 2, 2025

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 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 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —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

Indeed I might add that although unfamiliar with it myself, the Extraordinary Form expressly reminds us that Mass in either form is not merely a communion meal but a ritual of love, a sacrifice at Calvary, by which, for you and for me, yes, here and now, Jesus Christ lays down his life.

— ‘Most Rev. Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth’

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