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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 · July 8, 2013

A Tale Of Three Cities

“Do not seek to follow in the master’s footsteps. Seek what he sought.”

Jeff Ostrowski · July 2, 2013

Anthrax . . . and the Mass Propers, of course!

It would seem that Corey Zelinski’s “anthrax” predates Professor László Dobszay’s.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 1, 2013

Attic Recordings, “Rach 3,” and Church Musicians

“This is a reckless, dazzling performance quite different from the way the concerto is played by most of today’s pianists.”

Jeff Ostrowski · June 26, 2013

Video Demonstration Of Polyphony

I hope you enjoy this SATB version of the St. Edmund Arrowsmith Mass, a simple musical setting for “MR3” (Roman Missal, 3rd Edition).

Jeff Ostrowski · June 26, 2013

Gregorian Missal With The New Translation!

Can anyone help me understand this sentence in the Foreword?

Jeff Ostrowski · June 24, 2013

The Gather Hymnal

Excuse me, but . . . Say what? “If Christ entered the room, we’d be on our feet in an instant. We would not kneel.”

Jeff Ostrowski · June 23, 2013

Two (2) Errors In Printed Chabanel Book

There have been several errors found in the Chabanel Psalms Vocalist Book.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 20, 2013

Letter To Hans Küng . . . in 1963!

“Where on earth do you come up with the notion of omitting the Gradual? You talk about the necessity of going back to the very oldest of the Church’s traditions.” — Msgr. Francis P. Schmitt

Jeff Ostrowski · June 19, 2013

What Happened To Chapel Veils At Mass?

“While it is not obligatory for women to wear mantillas, I personally think they’re a beautiful and elegant way to show reverence for Christ.” — Matt Fradd

Jeff Ostrowski · June 18, 2013

(Live Interview) Cardinal Burke on the New Translation

“We had in the Church when I was growing up . . . there was a kind of special language we used in Church, and I was sorry to see it go . . . There wasn’t anything wrong with that. It was a language we used in talking to God.” — Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

Jeff Ostrowski · June 16, 2013

Nobody Can Answer My Question?

I have an important question, but nobody seems to care. It has to do with the famous: “When it falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.”

Jeff Ostrowski · June 16, 2013

1965 English Mass Demonstration “Sign Of Peace”

“During the boy-scout hand-shake (Sign of Peace), the lady with whom I shook hands accused me of trying to steal her bracelet.” — Msgr. Francis P. Schmitt, writing in 1965

Jeff Ostrowski · June 13, 2013

Does Your Missal Obey Pope Paul VI?

“Gregorian Chant is apt to remain the singing voice of the Church for a good many years to come.” — Fr. Malone, writing in 1962.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 11, 2013

Proud Father With Son & Daughter

Normally, I hate it when blogs become too personal, but I hope our readers will tolerate me sharing two (2) pictures of our children.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 11, 2013

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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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?
    When it comes to singing Responsorial Psalms in Fauxbourdon, what does this sound like in practice? Can such a thing be done successfully with volunteer choirs in real Catholic parishes? Listen to this audio excerpt from Good Friday and see what you think. Our parish volunteer choir did so well this year—and the ceremonies were ‘standing room only’. For the record, that musical score can be downloaded (completely free of charge) from the flourishing feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (Easter Sunday, 2026)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I created for Easter Sunday—a.k.a. “Ad Missam in die Paschae”—which is 5 April 2026. Please feel free to download it as a PDF file if such a thing interests you. The Fauxbourdon for Communion is particularly moving.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
    On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!
    —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

Random Quote

The claim that the bishop or the priest originally celebrated “versus populum” is a legend, which Otto Nussbaum (d. 1999) originally did a great deal to spread.

— Dr. Helmut Hoping (University of Freiburg)

Recent Posts

  • PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
  • Gregorian Chant … with Organ Accompaniment?
  • Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?
  • Music List • (Easter Sunday, 2026)
  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”

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