Views from the Choir Loft

Andrew Motyka • Article Archive

Andrew Motyka is the Archdiocesan Director of Liturgical Music and Cathedral Music for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Andrew R. Motyka · January 15, 2014

Quick Takes: Saying No

Saying “No” is an important skill for the music director.

Andrew R. Motyka · January 1, 2014

What Hill are You Willing to Die on?

Deciding which principles are deal-breakers.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 25, 2013

Once Upon a Mattress

In which Andrew’s wife Julie writes about the joys of being a music director’s wife at Christmas.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 18, 2013

It’s What We Do

Explaining how to handle death at so many funerals.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 11, 2013

Would You Like Some Cheese with that Whine?

Trying to avoid the temptation to complain.

Andrew R. Motyka · December 4, 2013

Text matters

Everyone should be forced to type the words of the pieces they use.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 20, 2013

Royal Stumbling Blocks

For believers, however, the crucifixion is not a moment of despair, but of triumph. We proudly profess our “weak” Savior, for we know that His weakness was the means of our salvation.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 13, 2013

Gratefulness

Being the first to post about Thanksgiving so now everyone else looks like they’re copying me.

Andrew R. Motyka · November 6, 2013

Juggling Holy Days of Obligation

How the peculiarities of the calendar affect Immaculate Conception this year.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 23, 2013

Precious Rehearsal Time

Spending rehearsal time to save more later.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 16, 2013

Noise Unto the Lord

Thanks for noisy babies at Mass.

Andrew R. Motyka · October 9, 2013

Laws of life

A brief post about basic liturgical theology.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 25, 2013

The Prayers of Children

The repercussions of a childlike faith.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 18, 2013

Sacramental Grace and Intentional Discipleship

How disposition affects our receptivity of grace.

Andrew R. Motyka · September 11, 2013

If the Shoe Fits

In which I hopefully make a point without alienating every Traditionalist in the world.

“Reminder” — Month of April (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. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Simplified Accompaniment (Easter Hymn)

Number 36 in the Brébeuf Hymnal is “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,” an English translation for Ad Cenam Agni Próvidi (which was called “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” starting 1631). As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for it. Simply click here and scroll to the bottom. Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult—which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments. Sadly, many readers will click that link but forget to scroll to the bottom where the simplified PDF file is located.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Quasi Modo Sunday”

The Introit for “Quasi Modo Sunday” (12 April 2026) is particularly beautiful. The musical score can be downloaded as a PDF file, and so can the organ accompaniment. The official language of the Catholic Church is Latin (whereas Greek is our mother tongue). Vatican II said Gregorian Chant must be given “first place” under normal circumstances. As a result, some parishes will rightly sing the authentic version. On the other hand, because so many USA dioceses disobey the mandate of Vatican II, some musicians sing plainsong in the vernacular. I have attempted to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ while singing the English version. Although very few take advantage of it, the complete Proprium Missae is posted at the flourishing feasts website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Anima Christi”

I received a request for an organ accompaniment I created way back in 2007 for the “Anima Christi” Gregorian Chant. You can download this PDF file which has the score in plainsong followed by a keyboard accompaniment. Many melodies have been paired with “Anima Christi” over the centuries, but this is—perhaps—the most common one.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)

On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026

How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!

—Jeff Ostrowski