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Corpus Christi Watershed

We’re a 501(c)3 public charity established in 2006. We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and run no advertisements. We exist solely by the generosity of small donors.

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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 · March 17, 2025

“Reminder” — Month of March (2025)

Since a new month has arrived, it’s my pleasure to remind you that…

Jeff Ostrowski · March 13, 2025

“Music List” • 2nd Sunday of Lent

Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 13, 2025

Can Catholics Fulfill the Sunday Obligation on Saturday Night? • What Happened In 1983?

This concession was granted in part due to “the enormous and ever increasing frequency of weekend trips and skiing excursions…”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 12, 2025

“Entrance Chant” • 2nd Sunday of Lent

This English adaptation uses mode 4, as does the authentic Gregorian Chant version.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 10, 2025

A Spanish Hymn for Lent

This particular hymn is being considered for inclusion in the “Cantoral del Padre Antonio Daniel.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 9, 2025

Re: Cardinal Roche Interview (6 March 2025)

For a number of reasons, this statement sounds fishy.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 8, 2025

“My Song Is Love Unknown” • Jeff Attempts to Sing All Parts … Including the Female Voices!

Few Catholics seem to realize it was Pope Pius XII who suppressed Tenebrae, a ceremony deeply loved by the faithful for centuries.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2025

“Music List” • 1st Sunday of Lent

Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2025

“Kyrie Setting” we’re doing for Lent

Kyrie VIII with polyphony.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 6, 2025

Watch David Poon Defeat Jeff in His Own “Hymn Challenge” — Re: The English Method

Bonus! Six (6) of my favorite Lenten hymns.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 5, 2025

“You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord…”

I’m not sure I know another feast like the 1st Sunday of Lent.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 4, 2025

“Entrance Chant” • 1st Sunday of Lent

This English adaptation uses mode 8, as does the authentic Gregorian Chant version.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 1, 2025

“Music List” • 8th Sunday (Ord. Time)

Readers have expressed interest in examining the “music list” I prepared for this coming Sunday.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2025

Communion • 8th Sunday Ord. Time

This communion is particularly beautiful.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2025

Re: “Abuse of Catholic Church Musicians”

Listening to yourself singing isn’t fun—but it’s crucial if you wish to improve.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Bugnini’s Statement (6 November 1966)
    With each passing day, more is revealed about how the enemies of the liturgy accomplished their goals. For instance, Hannibal Bugnini deeply resented the way Vatican II said Gregorian Chant “must be given first place in liturgical services.” On 6 November 1966, his cadre wrote a letter attempting to justify the elimination of Gregorian Chant with this brazen statement: “What really gives a Mass its tone is not so much the songs as it is the prayers and readings.” Bugnini’s cadre then attacked the very heart of Gregorian Chant (viz. the Proprium Missae), bemoaning how the Proprium Missae “is completely new each Sunday and feast day.” There is much more to be said about this topic. Stay tuned.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Luis Martínez Must Go!
    Sevilla Cathedral (entry dated 13 December 1564): The chapter orders Luis Martínez, a cathedral chaplain, to stay away from the choirbook-stand when the rest of the singers gather around it to sing polyphony—the reason being that “he throws the others out of tune.” [Excerpt from “The Life of Father Francisco Guerrero.”]
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Urgent! • We Desperately Need Funds!
    A few days ago, the president of Corpus Christi Watershed posted this urgent appeal for funds. Please help us make sure we’re never forced to place our content behind a paywall. We feel it’s crucial that 100% of our content remains free to everyone. We’re a tiny 501(c)3 public charity, entirely dependent upon the generosity of small donors. We have no endowment and no major donors. We run no advertisements and have no savings. We beg you to consider donating $4.00 per month. Thank you!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Antiphons Don’t Match?
    A reader wants to know why the Entrance and Communion antiphons in certain publications deviate from what’s prescribed by the GRADUALE ROMANUM published after Vatican II. Click here to read our answer. The short answer is: the Adalbert Propers were never intended to be sung. They were intended for private Masses only (or Masses without music). The “Graduale Parvum,” published by the John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music in 2023, mostly uses the Adalbert Propers—but sometimes uses the GRADUALE text: e.g. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“We must acknowledge that We have been somewhat disturbed and saddened by these requests. One may well wonder what the origin is of this new way of thinking and this sudden dislike for the past.” [Paul VI responding to requests from monks asking permission to remove Latin from the Divine Office.]

— Pope Saint Paul VI (15 August 1966)

Recent Posts

  • Bugnini’s Statement (6 November 1966)
  • (Rehearsal Clips) • Sacred Music Symposium 2025
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  • PDF Download • Soprano Descant — “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above”
  • “Dom Jausions had a skilled hand. His transcriptions are masterpieces of neatness & precision.”

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.

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