Views from the Choir Loft

Jeff Ostrowski

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children. Read more.

“Jesu Nostra Redemptio” • Ancient Hymn for the Ascension translated into English!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 21, 2020

Did you know every Mass is a celebration of our Lord’s Ascension? — Here’s proof.

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New Harmonies! • “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 19, 2020

It’s hard to believe, but Father Knauff’s “Christ the King Hymnal for Congregational Singing” (1954) omitted this hymn!

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PDF Download • Organ Accompaniments (Benediction)

Jeff Ostrowski · May 16, 2020

Including O SALUTARIS (“O Saving Victim Opening Wide”) and TANTUM ERGO (“Down in Adoration Falling”) in Latin and English.

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Can’t Decide Which Hymn Tune To Use?

Jeff Ostrowski · May 14, 2020

My brain can’t accept the approach chosen by this “Graduale”…

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What Did Palestrina Look Like?

Jeff Ostrowski · May 12, 2020

Father Lawrence Lew, OP, is perhaps the world’s greatest photographer.

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From a Catholic priest…

Regarding the CCW mailing list, a priest (Father E. J.) wrote to us yesterday:

“Sometime ago, you wrote something along the lines that none of your emails are copies or merely pitches; each one is individual. I respect you so much for that. I don’t always get to read through them, but they remain in my inbox for when I have time. I can’t over estimate how much I appreciate you and your team’s work, how many times I’ve turned to CCwatershed for guidance, tips, and ideas. Unfortunately I’m not in a position to choose or direct music at my assignment. I may have said this to you once before but: I look forward to when I can. One of the first things I’d do in a parish is bring your resources aboard (gradually, of course).”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Does Gregorian Chant ever skip a 7th?

I’ve really been enjoying singing from the Père Daniel Kyriale (126 pages), which is a fabulous little book. I had no idea it would turn out so nicely—incredibly useful, and the printing is super crisp. I noticed something quite strange the other day: Kyrie X (an extremely ancient chant) contains a skip of a seventh. Sometimes that’s the result of a missing Trope, but not in this instance. (I know, because I also examined the Troped version.)

—Jeff Ostrowski

We love getting messages like this one…

“I am a 25-year-old organist and cantor from the mountains of Northern Colorado. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your friends for working hard to bring excellent content to your website and my inbox. I have found many, many awesome resources to help me stay faithful to the Church’s stance and traditions on good, beautiful sacred music at the local parishes for which I play the organ and cantor. Truly refreshing to see all the good content. Mere words fail me. I wish you could know how helpful you’ve been. I can sense your passion for this, and it’s contagious. We were able to start to implement the chanted antiphons in English, and I am more comfortable singing the traditional Latin propers at Holy Communion or Offertory. I have a tremendous appreciation for the beauty handed down by our forefathers, especially with the Extraordinary Form Mass… I wish we could have them more often, but good things are starting to happen to sacred music. Other church musicians I know and used to work with are grateful for your resources and hard work. You influence more people than you know!”

—Jeff Ostrowski