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 · January 8, 2016

The Miraculous Rise Of The Traditional Latin Mass

A puzzling article appeared in the National Catholic Register by Msgr. Charles Pope.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 7, 2016

Bishop René H. Gracida On Internet Porn

“Parents, love your children and do your best to shield them from exposure to pornography.” —Bishop Gracida

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2016

Church Music: True Diversity Vs. False Diversity

Liturgical progressives constantly praise the “stylistic diversity” of the Ordinary Form, but the truth is surprising.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2016

| Part 2 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

By the mighty Francisco Guerrero!

Jeff Ostrowski · January 1, 2016

Update • “Graduale Parvum” (English & Latin)

They have now posted Advent for double-sided printing in book form.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 1, 2016

PDF Download • New Composition By Kevin Allen

This SATB setting of “Jesu Dulcis Memoria” will help you start 2016 on the right foot!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 31, 2015

Musical Resources • Most Holy Name (Extraordinary Form)

“…mercifully grant that we may in heaven enjoy the blessed vision of him, to whose most holy name we do reverence upon earth.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 30, 2015

Which Mass Goes With Which Season?

Unfortunately, many ignore the words of Abbot Pothier, included at the front of the Vatican Edition.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 30, 2015

Another “Oops” Moment For Liturgical Press

Msgr. Kevin Irwin says this book “reflects the best of liturgical scholarship and wisdom gleaned from the liturgy.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 29, 2015

PDF • “The Truth Of Papal Claims” (Merry del Val)

Cardinal Raphael Merry del Val published this reply to a Protestant scholar in 1902.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 28, 2015

A Myth That Needs To Die

“I never witnessed a Mass in the so-called Extraordinary Form that was done in 15 minutes.”

Jeff Ostrowski · December 28, 2015

Hollywood: Midnight Mass By Candlelight

The FSSP had a special Christmas Mass at their new Apostolate in Los Angeles.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 24, 2015

Musical Resources • Christmas Midnight Mass (Extraordinary Form)

We won’t be singing “Frosty The Snowman” for Offertory!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 17, 2015

Sacred Vs. Secular • What Do You Think?

My performance leaves much to be desired, but you get the idea.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 16, 2015

“Veni Veni Emmanuel” • Original Setting (Two Voices)

This famous Advent hymn was not written in the 1800s—it goes back at least to the 15th century.

PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”

Liturgical reformers who gained power after Vatican II frequently caused great suffering to musicians. With the stroke of a pen, they sometimes make changes that would require thousands—or even millions—of man hours (work undertaken by composers and editors). The Sprinkling Rite during Eastertide is but one tiny example. The version given in that PDF document was the original melody for Roman Missal, Third Edition. Some still prefer that version. However, at the last moment, an “unknown hand” tinkered with a few notes in the antiphon. Those who examine the current edition can verify this with their own eyes.

—Jeff Ostrowski

‘Sarum’ Good Friday?

Plainsong of the Roman Rite has many variants—i.e. slight ‘variations’ or ‘alterations’ made to the ancient melodies. Variants often thrive in particular religious orders. Likewise, before Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, Gregorian Chant variants were frequently associated with individual cathedrals in England: Hereford, Lincoln, Salisbury, and so forth. In the early 20th century, the (Anglican) organist at Westminster Abbey married “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” to this beautiful variant melody from England. Those who sing Gregorian Chant on Good Friday will recognize the melody. What do you think of this pairing?

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”

Gustav Adolf Merkel (d. 1885) was a German organist, teacher, and composer. Although a Lutheran himself, he held the appointment at the (Roman Catholic) Cathedral of Dresden from 1864 until his death. You can download his Organ Postlude in E-Flat, which I like very much. He has an interesting way of marking the pedal notes. What do you think?

—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

PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)

I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Holy, Holy, Holy”

For vigil Masses on Saturday (a.k.a. “anticipated” Masses) we use this simpler setting of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989), a Belgian priest, organist, composer, and music educator who ultimately succeeded another ‘Jules’ (CANON JULES VAN NUFFEL) as director of the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium. Although I could be wrong, my understanding is that the LEMMENSINSTITUUT eventually merged with “Catholic University of Leuven” (originally founded in 1425). That’s the university Fulton J. Sheen attended.

—Jeff Ostrowski