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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

Dr. Charles Weaver • Article Archive

Dr. Charles Weaver is on the faculty of the Juilliard School, and serves as organist and director of music at St. Mary’s Church in Norwalk, Connecticut. His research interests include the history of music theory and the theory of plainchant rhythm. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and four children.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Dr. Charles Weaver · January 3, 2022

The Responsa ad dubia and the Solesmes Chant Restoration

The early history of Solesmes plainchant research provides a historical parallel for responding to current Vatican liturgical rules.

Dr. Charles Weaver · October 24, 2021

PDF Download • Commemorating Dr. Fayrfax

A massively underrated composer died 500 years ago today.

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Dr. Charles Weaver · May 25, 2021

A Summer Course in Old Notation

Announcing an opportunity for graduate-level summer study in sacred music.

Dr. Charles Weaver · March 7, 2021

Two Recent Talks on the Liturgy

Two of our authors offer thoughts about the meaning of the liturgy within the context of our daily lives.

Dr. Charles Weaver · February 24, 2021

Solmization from the Inside

What if we take medieval music pedagogy seriously? Do its methods have anything to offer us today?

Dr. Charles Weaver · January 31, 2021

A Lesson in Chant from the Late Fr. Foster

My personal encounter with him left a strong impression, which I will share here.

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Dr. Charles Weaver · October 10, 2020

“Arranging Polyphony for One Voice” • (Live Rec.)

When faced with restrictions on the size of the choir, history suggests that we can adapt music for smaller groups, including groups with only one singer.

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Dr. Charles Weaver · September 2, 2020

(Installment #4) “Catholic Hymnals” • Charles Weaver

On how tunes change over time, with a reflection on the sacred duty of hymn editors.

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Dr. Charles Weaver · August 20, 2020

Biography • Charles Weaver

Charles Weaver is on the faculty of the Juilliard School…

Dr. Charles Weaver · August 11, 2020

“Plainchant in Two Parts” • (Guest Article by a Julliard Faculty Member)

Polyphonic settings from a thirteenth-century Italian convent teach us how we might add a second part to a piece of plainchant.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

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    Our tiny 501(c)3 nonprofit organization exists solely by generous readers who donate $5.00 per month. We have no endowment; we have no major donors; we run no advertisements; we have no savings. A donor wrote to us: “I so appreciate all you do and have done, and your generosity is unprecedented. I am honored to be able to make a monthly contribution.” Another monthly donor says: “Thank you for everything CC Watershed does. We are able to add so much solemnity to Holy Mass due to the resources made available here.” Can you spare a few dollars each month to help us survive?
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Dom Pothier • Photo from 1904
    Dom Paul Cagin, in a 1904 publication (L’oeuvre de Solesmes dans la restauration du chant grégorien) made sure to include a beautiful image of Dom Pothier, the legendary abbot of St-Wandrille. Also shown is a very young Dom André Mocquereau. Auguste Pécoul—considered the spiritual “son” of Abbat Prosper Guéranger of Solesmes—wrote as follows on 24 June 1901: “To forestall any confusion, let us remember that there is just one Gregorian notation—that restored, according to the ancient manuscripts, by the eminent Abbot of Saint-Wandrille, Dom Pothier.” ✠
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “3-Voice Motet” (Father De Laet)
    I believe 99% of our readers will recognize this hymn tune. Perhaps Father Edgard De Laet should have called it a ‘hymn’ instead of a ‘motet for three voices’—but he’s technically correct, since MOTET is defined as: “a short piece of sacred choral music, typically polyphonic and unaccompanied.” The even verses are for three voices, as you will see if you download the PDF score at #20245. The odd verses may be song a cappella SATB or unison with organ.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
    I will go to my grave without understanding the lack of curiosity so many people have about the rhythmic modifications made by Dom André Mocquereau. For example, how can someone examine this single sheet comparison chart and at a minimum not be curious about the differences? Dom Mocquereau basically creates a LONG-SHORT LONG-SHORT rhythmic pattern—in spite of enormous and overwhelming manuscript evidence to the contrary. That’s why some scholars referred to his method as “Neo-Mensuralist” or “Neo-Mensuralism.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of January (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. Signing up couldn’t be easier: simply scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Simplified)
    I admire the harmonization of “Adeste Fideles” by David Willcocks (d. 2015), who served as director of the Royal College of Music (London, England). In 2025, I was challenged to create a simplified arrangement for organists incapable of playing the authentic version at tempo. The result was this simplified keyboard arrangement (PDF download) based on the David Willcocks version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Feel free to play through it and let me know what you think.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“It is when they are practicing that large groups stop in order to sleep; they don’t give themselves a new impetus after a pause (even if it is minimal) and singers pause when they should not (quarter-bar, half-bar)—everything provides temptation to go to sleep! It is thus not a question of rhythm but of musical integrity.”

— Justine Ward (20 July 1952)

Recent Posts

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  • Dom Pothier • Photo from 1904
  • PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
  • PDF • “3-Voice Motet” (Father De Laet)
  • PDF Download • “Hymn for 2 Voices”

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