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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.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Richard J. Clark • Article Archive

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He is also Chapel Organist (Saint Mary’s Chapel) at Boston College. His compositions have been performed worldwide.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Richard J. Clark · March 18, 2016

As the Tension Grows

As Holy Week approaches, the tension is palpable.

Richard J. Clark · March 11, 2016

When the Liturgy Astounds • The Fire of Divine Love

I found these words to be jaw dropping—utterly astounding.

Richard J. Clark · February 26, 2016

Sounds from the Spires • SiriusXM Radio • Jennifer Pascual

Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral hosts a weekly radio program on sacred music.

Richard J. Clark · February 19, 2016

122 Messengers of Peace • Dona Nobis Pacem

It’s never just about the music.

Richard J. Clark · February 12, 2016

Minimal Standards at Weddings and Funerals

It is easier to capitulate than to educate.

Richard J. Clark · February 5, 2016

The Three Pillars of a Successful Parish

There are three pillars that must be in place for a parish to sow the seeds of growth and vibrancy. If any one of them falls, the others suffer.

Richard J. Clark · February 1, 2016

EWTN Broadcast • Mass of Ordination • First Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter

The elevation of bishop by Pope Francis of Bishop-Elect Steven J. Lopes is highly significant as the First Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter.

Richard J. Clark · January 29, 2016

The Vulnerability of Choral Singing

The human voice voice is unique as it is the only musical instrument housed within our God given body. And those who sing before others utterly exposed and vulnerable.

Richard J. Clark · January 22, 2016

Lent is near.

Looming over church musicians is a quick transition of liturgical seasons. Here are just a few liturgical works for Lent and Easter.

Richard J. Clark · January 15, 2016

The American Boychoir Redefines the Choral Experience

Please pray for all who educate our children through music!

Richard J. Clark · January 8, 2016

Communion Antiphons for Lent • RCIA and Scripture

Propers for Lent and their relationship with RCIA and the scriptures

Richard J. Clark · January 1, 2016

Unprecedented • Orthodox Rabbinic Statement on Christianity

I urge you to read this astonishing statement more than once to absorb its magnitude.

Richard J. Clark · December 25, 2015

Christmas and the Universal Role of Music

The birth of Christ recalls a specific time and place as does the music of Christmas. It is sacred music that has poured out into an increasingly secular world.

Richard J. Clark · December 18, 2015

Podcast • Advent Communion Propers on “Sounds from the Spires”

There is such richness in the scriptures we sing in Advent. This is the kind of thing I find exciting! I am grateful to have discussed the propers with Dr. Pascual, Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Richard J. Clark · December 11, 2015

Orient toward prayer. Orient toward gratitude.

We may not convince anyone that certain music is more worthy than another. But we can all understand that sacred music must orient itself towards reverence and prayer.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Simplified Accomp. • Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
    Sometimes the organist must simultaneously serve as the CANTOR. (Those who work in the field of church music know exactly what I’m talking about.) One of our contributors composed this simplified keyboard accompaniment for Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” a piece which is frequently requested for Catholic funerals and weddings. In terms of the discussion about whether that piece is too theatrical (‘operatic’) for use in Church, I will leave that discussion to others. All I know is, many church musicians out there will appreciate this simplified version.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Reminder” — Month of April (2026)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Simplified Accompaniment (Easter Hymn)
    Number 36 in the Brébeuf Hymnal is “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,” an English translation for Ad Cenam Agni Próvidi (which was called “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” starting in 1631). As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for it. Simply click here and scroll to the bottom. Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult—which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments. Sadly, many readers will click that link but forget to scroll to the bottom where the simplified PDF file is located.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF Download • “Anima Christi”
    I received a request for an organ accompaniment I created way back in 2007 for the “Anima Christi” Gregorian Chant. You can download this PDF file which has the score in plainsong followed by a keyboard accompaniment. Many melodies have been paired with “Anima Christi” over the centuries, but this is—perhaps—the most common one.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    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

Random Quote

The local church should be conscious that church worship is not really the same as what we sing in a bar, or what we sing in a convention for youth.

— Francis Cardinal Arinze (2005)

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • Ascension “Entrance Chant”
  • Every Artist Needs a Refuge
  • Simplified Accomp. • Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
  • “The Unselected Hymn” • Do You Recognize It?
  • 2026 Sacred Music Pilgrimage (Washington DC) • With Richard J. Clark

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