Worst Song Ever?
What Church musicians can learn from “Friday” by Rebecca Black.
“A much greater source of anxiety to Us is the style of action of those who maintain that liturgical worship should shed its sacred character, who foolishly say we should substitute for sacred items & furnishings ordinary common things in daily use.” —Pope Saint Paul VI (14 Oct 1968)
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).
“Almighty and merciful God, in thy goodness put far from us all that may work us harm…”
Published by the Catholic Choirmasters’ Guild of Buffalo, New York.
When people ask how to begin teaching polyphony, I show them this.
“In thy tender mercy, guide aright, we beseech thee, O Lord, our hearts…”
I believe Fr. Robert Fromageot was professor of Gregorian chant at the FSSP seminary.
One could also use a Mode VII psalm tone to “solve” the problem … but that just sounds wrong.
The accusation by this lady really hurt me; but I’m not sure why…
“Very humbly, O Lord, we implore of thy majesty, that the holy mysteries we are celebrating … save us from transgressing in the time to come …”
“…it is important to avoid musical forms which, because of their profane use, are not conducive to prayer.”
Last Sunday we sang a beautiful composition by Richard Rice.
Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been exciting, and we’re filled with hope for our apostolate’s future!
But we’re under pressure to transfer our website to a “subscription model.”
We don’t want to do that. We believe our website should remain free to all.
Our president has written the following letter:
President’s Message (dated 30 May 2025)
Time's up