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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 · May 16, 2015

Ascension • A Gorgeous Illumination

“We pay more attention to singing when we are nervous.”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 13, 2015

Will You Be A Hero?

We need a few more people willing to give $5.00 per month—please help! Thank you!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 13, 2015

“Omnes Gentes Plaudite” • Sequence For Ascension

“The Staff used by Christ was the Cross…”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 12, 2015

Heretical Hymns & Transformation

I hope Dr. Tappan will tell us someday how such a transformation happened!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 12, 2015

Stephen Colbert: “I’m Not A Fan Of Guitar Masses”

Perhaps it requires a comedian to realize that not all musical styles are appropriate for Mass.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 11, 2015

VIDEO • Watch Jeff Ostrowski Load Choir Binders

Wow—did you ever see anyone load them this fast?

Jeff Ostrowski · May 11, 2015

Stunning Hymn With 3-Voice Polypony You Will Want To Sing For Pentecost

A story about Victoria—perhaps a myth—says Palestrina was jealous of his student’s first drafts.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 10, 2015

Resources • 5th Sunday after Easter (1962 Missal)

We are getting close to Pentecost, when the FSSP Superior General will visit our parish.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 5, 2015

The Actual Vestments Of Pope Saint Pius V

Let’s be honest…those shoes look nice and comfy!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 4, 2015

Video • “Vidi Aquam” Organ Accompaniment By Jeff Ostrowski

The “Method of Gregorian Accompaniment” by Flor Peeters is excellent.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 1, 2015

In This Regard, The EF Cannot Compare To The OF

If you’re searching for “Cum vénerit Paráclitus,” you might want to check the *D* section…

Jeff Ostrowski · May 1, 2015

Resources • 4th Sunday after Easter (1962 Missal)

The Communion can be written “Dum venerit” or “Cum venerit”—both are correct.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 1, 2015

Twelve (12) PDF Guides To Pronouncing Latin

Fr. Carlo Rossini’s is probably the best, but 11 more are also provided.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 30, 2015

Liturgy Gone Wild

What do progressive liturgists truly want?

Jeff Ostrowski · April 29, 2015

Rare Video • Richard Nixon Meets With Pope Paul VI

Footage taken by John Ehrlichman a 1970s “home video reel.”

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    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

Quick Thoughts

    “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

Random Quote

“Always remember: God opposes the proud.” (leaning into the microphone) “…even when they’re right!”

— ‘Scott Hahn, speaking in Plano, TX’

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
  • ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
  • Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?
  • PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
  • Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

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