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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 · September 24, 2014

Are We Getting Dumber?

In spite of all the progress our civilizations have made, the self-appointed “expert liturgists” are regressing.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 23, 2014

Photographs • Cardinal Lercaro (Consilium President)

Cardinal Lercaro (President of the Consilium) must not be mixed up with Cardinal Larraona (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Rites).

Jeff Ostrowski · September 22, 2014

Fair-Weather Friends Of Good Liturgy & Pope Francis

The catastrophic scandals in our Church, especially those perpetrated by members of the hierarchy, are an opportunity for us to place all of our trust in God.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 21, 2014

WEDDING MUSIC FOR A B

(A) Organ music for procession. (B) Introit = Ladies —- “Deus Israel” (C) Kyrie (Rene as Tenor) = 5294 • KYRIE “Iste Sanctus” Figure out how it will be sung… Normal is fine. (D) Gloria (Rene as Tenor) = 7709 • Viadana “Falsobordone Gloria” (E) ALLELUIA (Rene as Tenor) = 3524 • Guerrero “Alleluia” for […]

Jeff Ostrowski · September 17, 2014

Positive Liturgical Fruits Of Vatican II: Second Part

I know people will attack me for saying this, but I’m against “concert Masses”—and I think that quote from “Sacrosanctum Concilium” backs me up.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 16, 2014

Spectacular Video: Porfiri Conducts Requiem For Parents In China

“As you notice, they sing the whole concert—seventeen pieces—all by memory. They are really amazing.” — Aurelio Porfiri

Jeff Ostrowski · September 15, 2014

A Catholic Nun Challenged Reagan As Vice-President … For The Communist Party!

Are we surprised that authentic Church music died in the 1970s?

Jeff Ostrowski · September 15, 2014

Can Church Musicians Learn From An Online Role-Playing Game?

Let’s help Catholics appreciate the richness of polyphonic music, which can be quite powerful.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 14, 2014

Update * Atonement Parish — San Antonio, Texas

A consistently serious parish whose Pastor never deviates from Catholic doctrine.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 10, 2014

Vatican Breaks Its Silence On Kneeling For Communion In The USA

“When this Congregation gave ‘recognitio’ to your Bishops’ Conference, this was done on the condition that kneeling communicants are not to be denied Holy Communion.” — Vatican Statement

Jeff Ostrowski · September 9, 2014

That Inscrutable Creature On The Internet

I’ve come to realize that truth & beauty should be loved for their own sake. Trying to “possess” them is silly.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 8, 2014

Have We Lost The Church Music Battle?

The traditional music still triumphs in one important area: parishes run by “no-nonsense” priests.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 2, 2014

PDF Download: Mediator Dei Hymnal (1955)

This book’s editor had the reputation of being a “walking encyclopedia” of American hymnology…

Jeff Ostrowski · September 1, 2014

Barack Obama & Catholic Sacred Music

I wish somebody had explained this to me in 2005, when I began working for the Ordinary Form.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 28, 2014

Why I No Longer Compose

When I observe our beautiful children, I realize that God is the True Artist.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • “Atténde Dómine”
    Although it isn’t nearly as ancient as other hymns in the plainsong repertoire, Atténde Dómine, et miserére, quía peccávimus tíbi (“Look down, O Lord, and have mercy, for we have sinned against Thee”) has become one of the most popular hymns for LENT—perhaps because it was included in the famous Liber Usualis of Solesmes. This musical score (PDF file) has an incredibly accurate version in English, as well as a nice version in Spanish, and also the original Latin. Although I don’t claim to have a great singing voice, this morning I recorded this rehearsal video.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (1st Sunday of Lent)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday—22 February 2026—the 1st Sunday of Lent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the outstanding feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin. I spent an enormous amount of time preparing this ORDER OF MUSIC—because the children’s choir will join us—and some of its components came out great. For example, the COMMUNION ANTIPHON with Fauxbourdon is utterly resplendent, yet still ‘Lenten’.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    2-Voice Arrangement for Lent
    Those seeking a two-voice arrangement for LENT and PASSIONTIDE should click here and scroll down. It’s based on number 775 in the Brébeuf Hymnal, with an enchanting melody written by Kevin Allen (the legendary American composer of sacred music). That text—“Pendens In Crucis Cornibus”—is often used for the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows. That link is important because, in addition to the musical score, it provides free rehearsal videos for each individual voice: something volunteer choirs appreciate!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Reminder” — Month of Febr. (2026)
    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. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
    I will go to my grave without understanding the lack of curiosity so many people have about the rhythmic modifications made by Dom André Mocquereau. For example, how can someone examine this single sheet comparison chart and at a minimum not be curious about the differences? Dom Mocquereau basically creates a LONG-SHORT LONG-SHORT rhythmic pattern—in spite of enormous and overwhelming manuscript evidence to the contrary. That’s why some scholars referred to his method as “Neo-Mensuralist” or “Neo-Mensuralism.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Simplified)
    I admire the harmonization of “Adeste Fideles” by David Willcocks (d. 2015), who served as director of the Royal College of Music (London, England). In 2025, I was challenged to create a simplified arrangement for organists incapable of playing the authentic version at tempo. The result was this simplified keyboard arrangement (PDF download) based on the David Willcocks version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Feel free to play through it and let me know what you think.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“By a decree of the synod of the diocese of Exeter in 1284, no one should claim any seat in a church; but whoever first entered a church for the purpose of devotion, might choose at his pleasure a place for praying.”

— A work by Fr. Husenbeth (d. 1872)

Recent Posts

  • The Weekday Communions of Lent
  • PDF Download • “Atténde Dómine”
  • “Chant Is Not a Penitential Act” • Lenten Reflection by Daniel Marshall
  • (Ash Wednesday) • Medieval Illumination Depicting the Distribution of Ashes
  • Music List • (1st Sunday of Lent)

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