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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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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 · January 12, 2018

Msgr. Michael F. Groden’s Contribution to Sacred Music

Quite curiously, the first full-time employee this developer and builder hired as pastor was a musician. A musician? Really? Yes.

Richard J. Clark · December 15, 2017

Discouragement and Hope

Despite such a bleak picture, so many musicians remain faithful and loyal servants of the Church. This is hope.

Richard J. Clark · December 1, 2017

I’ve made this an essential part of concert preparation.

I’m embarrassed to say, I feel I have only discovered this necessity recently.

Richard J. Clark · November 24, 2017

Unapologetically Roman Catholic in New York City

They open the doors to people of all faiths and backgrounds. But they will celebrate the Eucharist, Adore the Blessed Sacrament, and administer the sacraments boldly out on the open for all to witness and experience.

Richard J. Clark · October 27, 2017

A Requiem on All Souls Day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This work is based on the Gregorian Chants of the Requiem Mass. It was directly inspired by the Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the 2012 Sacred Music Colloquium in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Richard J. Clark · October 6, 2017

Three Entrance Antiphons for the Celebration of Marriage

Free Download: Three Entrance Antiphons For the Celebration of Marriage

Richard J. Clark · September 8, 2017

Saint Paul’s Choir School • New CD with AimHigher Recordings/Sony Classical

“When I introduce young minds to the beautiful heritage of Church music, it’s always amazing to see just how much they love the great music we have been given.” — John Robinson

Richard J. Clark · September 1, 2017

Implement Vatican II • Pope Francis Invokes “Magisterial Authority”

The liturgical battle over celebrating Mass “ad orientem” is insignificant at this time. Far more important is reverent liturgy and the proper implementation of Vatican II.

Richard J. Clark · August 21, 2017

Ministry of Consolation • A Case for Congregational Singing at Funerals

“If you, the bereaved, cannot give voice to your grief in this moment, we shall do it for you.”

Richard J. Clark · August 11, 2017

“That’s not Eucharistic” • Why We Sing the Communion Antiphons

What does the Incarnation have to do with the Communion Procession? A great deal.

Richard J. Clark · July 28, 2017

The “Charism” of Saying “No”

The ability to say “no” is an important gift of which much good can come, if used with wisdom, mercy, and kindness.

Richard J. Clark · July 14, 2017

Culmen Et Fons 2017 • On Liturgical Formation • September 18-22

“[T]he parish has seen an astonishing increase in Mass attendance and financial stewardship owing in large part to the addition of a weekly traditional Latin Missa Cantata, use of handcrafted Roman vestments, emphasis on sacred music…”

Richard J. Clark · July 1, 2017

On Emptiness, Wisdom, and Fortune • Music and Discernment

Music and Discernment

Richard J. Clark · June 24, 2017

“Do not let anyone make you feel discouraged.”

Made in God’s image? Really? That’s debatable from my all too human eyes. By the way, I’ve got huge planks in both of them.

Richard J. Clark · June 9, 2017

I forgot to tell them it’s supposed to be hard.

It never occurred to him that this would be hard, or that he wouldn’t do well. He just thought it would be fun.

Richard J. Clark · June 8, 2017

Introit • Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity • Free Download

Free download of an Introit for Holy Trinity (Years A&B). English text; SATB, organ, schola/cantor, and congregation.

Richard J. Clark · June 2, 2017

Entertainment in the Liturgy and Our True Responsibility

In the words of Kurt Cobain, “Here we are now, entertain us.” Sometimes, our jobs can feel this way. But church musicians have responsibilities that are anything but entertainment.

Richard J. Clark · May 26, 2017

Pastorally Imperative: They are all we have.

To sing in prayer and with joy is pastorally imperative for they are all we have.

Richard J. Clark · April 28, 2017

The Older I Get…

The older I get, the more I spend on these. If not, what good am I to the prayer of the people?

Richard J. Clark · April 21, 2017

The Dedication of a Church • The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Boston

The Dedication of a Church is a rare event in anyone’s lifetime.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“It is difficult to imagine a more unjust situation than abortion, and it is very difficult to speak of obsession in a matter such as this, where we are dealing with a fundamental imperative of every good conscience—the defense of the right to life of an innocent and defenseless human being.”

— Pope St. John Paul II

Recent Posts

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  • Alabama Assessment!
  • “How Has Nobody Done This Before?” • Vol. 1
  • “Exceeded Every Expectation!” • Mr. O’Brien’s Review
  • “81 Photos” • Sacred Music Symposium 2022

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