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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

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski

A graduate of Thomas Aquinas College (B.A. in Liberal Arts) and The Catholic University of America (M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy), Dr. Peter Kwasniewski is currently Professor at Wyoming Catholic College. He is also a published and performed composer, especially of sacred music. Read more.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · May 22, 2014

Three Categories of Liturgical Problem

We need to know the different kinds of problems there are, and who in the Church is qualified or required to fix them.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · May 15, 2014

Dogma as the Servant of Mystery

Dogmatic statements liberate the Christian intellect by establishing it in the truth.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · May 8, 2014

Sacred Choral Works CDs Available

These 3 full-length compact discs feature recordings of nearly every score in the 273-page book.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · May 1, 2014

A Triple Cord: Liturgy, Aquinas, and CST

The traditional liturgy, the study of St. Thomas Aquinas, and Catholic social doctrine―these three things stand or fall together.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · April 24, 2014

“Soft Source of Calm Tranquillity”: The Quiet Mass

A poem set to music by Handel perfectly captures the feelings one has at a quiet low Mass. Here I try to say why this form of the Mass is so special and valuable.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · April 17, 2014

Sheed on the Missal of 1968

Frank Sheed is one of my favorite Catholic authors, but when it came time for him to grapple with the liturgical revolution, either his perspicuity or his nerve failed him.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · April 10, 2014

Music Beautiful by Nature

The “beautiful” is largely distinguished by the degree to which the beautiful “thing” is in accord with nature.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · April 3, 2014

Why We Need the Greatest Art in Catholic Worship

Was it necessary to change our forms of worship to suit “modern man”? And do we need to set aside our glorious musical heritage? Absolutely not.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · March 27, 2014

Why Do We Kneel in Church?

Kneeling is a sign that both signifies and helps produce in the soul the disposition of humility before the great King over all the earth.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · March 20, 2014

Catholic Identity Crisis: Who Are We? What Do We Believe? How Should We Live?

Eastern Catholics and Christians have maintained the depth, beauty, and sacredness of their liturgical heritage. How does the institutional failure of Roman Catholics to preserve their own heritage affect their ability to evangelize, or even to live a fully Catholic life?

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · March 13, 2014

The Eternal, Not the Contemporary

Arvo Pärt speaks words of wisdom about why the music of some composers never gets old and why old texts are always young.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · March 6, 2014

Seven Theses for the Evaluation of Music

Let us listen consistently to the greatest works in music and make them the exemplars, the teachers, the inspirations and consolations of our interior life as aesthetic beings.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · February 27, 2014

Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” and the Five Ways of St. Thomas

An imaginative or imaginary (you decide) correlation between the five movements of the greatest proto-Romantic sacred work and the five greatest proofs for the existence of God.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · February 20, 2014

Seeking Inspiration in the Renaissance

Just as those who are passionate about sacred music find great inspiration in the Renaissance, so today we can look around at a new rebirth of Catholic tradition and find hope for a renewal of Catholic culture.

Dr. Peter Kwasniewski · February 13, 2014

Why Focus So Much on the Liturgy?

Sometimes people wonder why traditional Catholics make such a big deal of the liturgy. Do they really think it’s the most important thing in the world? As a matter of fact, they do―because it is.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Simplified Accomp. • Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
    Sometimes the organist must simultaneously serve as the CANTOR. (Those who work in the field of church music know exactly what I’m talking about.) One of our contributors composed this simplified keyboard accompaniment for Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” a piece which is frequently requested for Catholic funerals and weddings. In terms of the discussion about whether that piece is too theatrical (‘operatic’) for use in Church, I will leave that discussion to others. All I know is, many church musicians out there will appreciate this simplified version.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

Quick Thoughts

    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

Random Quote

Far from dreading an encounter with the Iroquois, Fr. Garnier often told us he would be quite content to fall into their hands and remain their prisoner if—while they were torturing him—he at least had a chance of instructing them as long as his torments lasted. If they allowed him to live, it would afford him a golden opportunity to work for their conversion, which was now impossible, since the gateway to their country was closed as long as they were our enemies.

— Father Ragueneau (Jesuit Relations)

Recent Posts

  • Simplified Accomp. • Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
  • “The Unselected Hymn” • Do You Recognize It?
  • 2026 Sacred Music Pilgrimage (Washington DC) • With Richard J. Clark
  • “Reminder” — Month of April (2026)
  • “Gregorian Chant Isn’t a Platform for Your Personal Theories, Jeff” • (A Letter We Received)

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