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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

Jeff Ostrowski • Article Archive

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).

Jeff Ostrowski · March 18, 2017

Musical Resources • 3rd Sunday of Lent 1

“When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things which he possesseth are in peace…”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 17, 2017

Quote Video • “Legislation on Sacred Music”

A thought-provoking production by “Six Candle Studios.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 14, 2017

Fighting With Choir Members?

“On Holy Saturday in 1545—while the pope and several cardinals were present—two of the oldest choir members flew at each other during the blessing of the new oils, shouting in a loud voice…”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 14, 2017

How Low Can You Sing?

I can’t even hear these pitches—can you?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 10, 2017

GoFundMe Campaign • Needing Scholarships!

Sacred Music: “Curse the darkness…or light a candle?”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 10, 2017

Musical Resources • 2nd Sunday of Lent 1

“O God, Who seest how we are destitute of all strength…”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2017

Vatican II • What You Were Too Embarrassed To Ask

Fr. Christopher Smith has created a 7-part series on Vatican II.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 6, 2017

PDF Download • “Antiphonale Romanum” (1949)

Yesterday, I used the text on page 366 to create an SATB Hymn for Lent.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 4, 2017

Did You Forget This Fabulous Lenten Hymn?

The psalm verses are optional—making this piece as long or short as you desire.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 3, 2017

Choirmasters, Your Job Is Hard Beyond A Doubt

What does sacred music have to do with the O. J. Simpson murder trial?

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2017

Giacomo Cardinal Lercaro (1891-1976)

“There remains throughout the presence of Bugnini—his bias, his anger, and his prejudice—making one continuously ask the unanswerable question: why?” ~ Msgr. Richard J. Schuler

Jeff Ostrowski · February 22, 2017

“Morae Vocis” acc. to the Vatican Edition

The «Kyriale» contains very few melismatic morae.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 21, 2017

PDF Download • “Cantus Varii” (469 Pages)

The revolution continues!

Jeff Ostrowski · February 20, 2017

2-1 Suspension in Guerrero Motet

“Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jeff Ostrowski · February 18, 2017

Musical Resources • Sexagesima Sunday 1

“O God, who seest that we put no trust in ourselves…”

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Season’s End Repertoire
    Looking at the REPERTOIRE SHEET until the end of the choral season, I see that I’ve fallen behind schedule. (The last three months have been extraordinarily busy.) As you know, I have been providing organ harmonies for all the ENTRANCE CHANTS—as well as rehearsal videos—and you can see I’m behind where I planned to be. Now I must make up lost ground. However, the choir picks up the ENTRANCE CHANT with ease, so I’m sure it will all work out. My ‘unofficial’ harmonizations are being posted each week at the flourishing feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Funeral Procession”
    From a mediæval Book of Hours, I was sent this glorious depiction of a Roman Catholic funeral procession by Simon Bening (d. 1561). The image resolution is extremely high. I’m not sure I know of a more beautiful illustration of a mediæval church. And I love how the servers are wearing red and pink cassocks!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

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

“It is very curious, rather barbarous, much too ornate, immeasurably less dignified than ours now, anything in the world rather than archaic or primitive.”

— Fr. Fortescue describing the “Sarum Use” in 1912

Recent Posts

  • “Translating the Bible” • Msgr. Ronald Knox (1953)
  • Season’s End Repertoire
  • PDF Download • “Funeral Procession”
  • Re: The “Correct” Way To Sing Gregorian Chant
  • PDF Download • Ascension “Entrance Chant”

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