What Exactly Is Dr. Peter Wagner Talking About?
“These manuscripts had to be sought out in the public or capitular libraries, whose conservators were often hardly supportive of—if not outright hostile to—the reproduction of their treasures.”
“Solesmes Method” • Where was it developed?
Father Ralph March wrote: “If any single man could deserve the title father of the renewed chant it would be Dom Joseph Pothier.”
PDF Download • The Official Funeral Booklet for Pope Benedict XVI (37 pages)
We strive to emphasize the positive on this blog, but I have to admit…
PDF Download • Ancient Christmas Hymn with Modern Harmonies (4 pages)
She said: “Jeff, you should record these harmonies with human voices, to illustrate what you mean.”
FEEDBACK … from New Hampshire
Jeff, thanks for the rare Gregorian accompaniments. I just love all the work you do! About 2 years ago, my parish made the decision to ditch all the contemporary Mass settings (Marty Haugen, and so forth) and to only use the Latin! We currently use the [name redacted of a disposable missal] … some of their accompaniments […]
2 January 2023 • FEEDBACK
Dear Mr. Ostrowski; I must politely disagree with your friend who said “absolutely nobody cares” about the rare books you share on the blog. The fact is, your raw enthusiasm for these resources teaches me (and presumably others) to care. I admit that sometimes the angles from which you present them—the amount of context, or […]
PDF Download • Extremely Rare! • Gregorian Accompaniments (513 pages)
Dr. Peter Wagner, a famous musicologist, founded the “Gregorian Academy” in Freiburg (Switzerland).
“Requiescat In Pace” • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Josef Ratzinger, who did so much good for the church.
“… Ripped From A Live-Feed …”
Saint John Vianney, while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, could scarcely speak or breathe (so moved was he).
PDF • “Silent Night” Harmonization
Here’s a handy organ accompaniment (PDF) in three different key signatures: MIDDLE, HIGH, and LOW. The Latin lyrics (“Silens Nox”) are courtesy of Father Valentine Young, OFM (d. 2020). The organ harmonies are very simple, yet beautiful. Those who desire such a thing may also download a Singer’s Version. For obvious reasons, the choir will […]
PDF Download • “What Child Is This?” • Jeff’s Arrangement of This Carol … in Latin!
This morning I sat down and arranged what—in my view—is one of the beautiful Christmas carols.
23 December 2022 • FEEDBACK
A very skilled conductor from another country—who recently posted a recording any conductor would be proud of, displaying a light, pleasant, and professional choral sound—wrote to us on 23 December 2022: “CCWatershed and the Sacred Music Symposia have made a great mark in my musical career and the sound you hear you can proudly say […]
Choirmasters • “How To Avoid Getting Fired”
Anyone who’s ever stood in front of a choir knows the choirmaster’s vocation is not an easy one.
19 Dec. 2022 • “Include The Congregation?”
People often ask: “Can Gregorian Chant include the congregation?” The answer is: Yes! Listen to this Live Recording from last Sunday (which was the 4th Sunday of Advent). That is one model—not the only model—demonstrating how a congregation could be included. It’s KYRIE XVII, traditionally sung during Advent.
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