Does Polyphony “Fit” Ordinary Form Masses?
Can you hear the difference? Listen closely to the third section.
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.”
A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He completed studies in Education and Musicology at the graduate level. Having worked as a church musician in Los Angeles for ten years, in 2024 he accepted a position as choirmaster for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and children. —Read full biography (with photographs).
Can you hear the difference? Listen closely to the third section.
“I cannot say enough good things about my experience at the symposium. Words cannot express just how wonderful it was to be there, and how much I brought back with me.”
I have been reminded why I got into music in the first place.
Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli plays Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in d minor…
“Light most blessèd, shine on the hearts of Your faithful—even into their darkest corners…”
“Light most blessèd, shine on the hearts of Your faithful—even into their darkest corners…”
Once upon a time, Catholic composers were trained from birth in a special art of musical composition…
“Sisters in pants distribute communion, while priests sit idle in the sanctuary. This ‘option’ results from a decay of the reverence for the Lord’s Presence.” —Fulton J. Sheen (1976)
Precious few modern masterpieces exist…but this motet by Kevin Allen is one.
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