Corpus Christi Watershed

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.”

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).

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Choir Members’ Behavior In The Year 1596

On 24 December 1596, Nanino records that the singers missed a response of “Amen,” which they were supposed to make after the pope said the Gospel at Matins. But the books were marked so that the same thing would not happen the following year, as it might if they depended only on memory.

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Splendid! A 2013 Recording By Cistercian Nuns

“I have listened to the CD with great enjoyment. When listening to the Cistercian Nuns of Saint Mary’s Abbey, one realizes that they do not just sing at prayer or sing their prayers: their very singing is prayer, according to the axiom, Those who sing well, pray twice.” — Quote from a listener.

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A Most Magnificent Monogram

Can you find all the letters in this ancient symbol? Every Catholic knows how the Preface begins: “It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks . . .”

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The English And Their Hymns

I have noticed that the “English method” of hymnody prints the musical notes on one page and the words on another. Several experts explain why in this post.

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