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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

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 · October 1, 2015

Musical Resources • 19th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“Almighty and merciful God, in thy goodness put far from us all that may work us harm…”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 28, 2015

PDF Download • Extremely Rare Hymnal (1952)

Published by the Catholic Choirmasters’ Guild of Buffalo, New York.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 26, 2015

Fr. David Friel & Pope Francis

A friend kindly sent me these photos…

Jeff Ostrowski · September 24, 2015

Joan Brudieu • Simple Kyrie (Revised)

When people ask how to begin teaching polyphony, I show them this.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 24, 2015

Musical Resources • 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“In thy tender mercy, guide aright, we beseech thee, O Lord, our hearts…”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2015

Interesting Video About The Latin Mass (Massachusetts)

I believe Fr. Robert Fromageot was professor of Gregorian chant at the FSSP seminary.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 22, 2015

Transposed Mode • This Sunday’s Communion

One could also use a Mode VII psalm tone to “solve” the problem … but that just sounds wrong.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 22, 2015

A Serious Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

The accusation by this lady really hurt me; but I’m not sure why…

Jeff Ostrowski · September 19, 2015

“Agnus Dei” For Three Voices • Guillaume Dufay

…including a digression on why choirs hate Solfège.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 19, 2015

Musical Resources • 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“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 …”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 16, 2015

“The songs and hymns presently in use need to be reconsidered.”

“…it is important to avoid musical forms which, because of their profane use, are not conducive to prayer.”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 16, 2015

“Live” Recording Of Polyphonic Kyrie VIII

Last Sunday we sang a beautiful composition by Richard Rice.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 14, 2015

Fr. Jonathan Morris, Pit Bull Attack, & More

What you didn’t know about Fr. Jonathan Morris…

Jeff Ostrowski · September 10, 2015

Musical Resources • 16th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“May thy grace … cause us to be zealous at all times in the doing of good works.”

Jeff Ostrowski · September 8, 2015

Video Demonstration • “Do Choral Vowels Matter?”

Can you see the difference? Can you hear the difference?

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
    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
    “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals
    I have argued that the OFFERTORY—at least in its ancient form—is more of a responsory than an antiphon. The 1962 Missal specifically calls it “Antiphona ad Offertorium.” From now on, I plan to use this beautiful setting (PDF) at funerals, since it cleverly inserts themes from the absolution of the body. Tons more research needs to be done on the OFFERTORY, which often is a ‘patchwork’ stitching together various beginnings and endings of biblical verses. For instance, if you examine the ancient verses for Dómine, vivífica me (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) you’ll discover this being done in a most perplexing way. Rebecca Maloy published a very expensive book on the OFFERTORY, but it was a disappointment. Indeed, I can’t think of a single valuable insight contained in her book. What a missed opportunity!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “In Paradisum” • Gregorian Chant
    As a RECESSIONAL on All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), we will sing In Paradísum Dedúcant Te Ángeli (PDF). When it comes to Gregorian Chant, this is one of the most popular “songs.” Frankly, all the prayers and chants from the traditional REQUIEM MASS (Missa exsequialis or Missa pro defunctis) are incredibly powerful and never should’ve been scuttled. Click here to hear “In Paradisum” in a recording I made this afternoon. Professor Louis Bouyer spoke of the way Bugnini “scuttled the office of the dead” in this fascinating excerpt from his memoirs. In his book, La riforma litugica (1983), Bugnini bragged—in quite a shameful way—about eliminating the ancient funeral texts, and even admitted those venerable texts were “beloved” (his word) by Catholics.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)
    We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Our Father” • Musical Setting?
    Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    New Bulletin Article • “12 October 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death.”

— Robert Cardinal Sarah (23-sep-2019), chosen by Pope Francis to be the Vatican’s chief liturgist

Recent Posts

  • “Reminder” — Month of November (2025)
  • “Reader Feedback” • 5 November 2025
  • Never Work For A Priest Or Bishop Who Believes Sacred Music Should Be “Entertainment”
  • When Pilgrims Sing, the World Disappears
  • “Offertory” at Catholic Funerals

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