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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

Dr. Samuel Backman • Article Archive

Dr. Samuel Backman earned degrees at Saint Olaf College, Yale University, and the University of Oklahoma. He currently serves as Director of Sacred Music at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he chairs a multi-faceted music program across three campuses. He resides with his wife in Minneapolis, Minnesota.—Read full biography (with photographs).

Dr. Samuel Backman · June 6, 2025

“Participation” • Recovering its Receptive Dimension

“The goal of our active participation is not that we might shape and mold God, but that he might shape and mold us.” —Dr. Samuel Backman

Dr. Samuel Backman · January 24, 2025

The Lofty Nature of This Goal

The lofty nature of this goal…

Dr. Samuel Backman · November 5, 2024

Bending Your Ear • A Sound Theology

“The way in which music is deployed in the Holy Mass has a direct impact on how we understand our relationship with God.” —Dr. Backman

Dr. Samuel Backman · September 19, 2024

Is Investment in Sacred Music Really Necessary?

“About a year later, when many Covid restrictions had been lifted, we saw quite an influx of new faces come into our parish…” —Dr. Samuel Backman

Dr. Samuel Backman · July 24, 2024

Sacred Music and Suspicions of Elitism

“While a student, I was told to avoid playing Bach in the context of worship, as doing so might give the impression that I was targeting a sort of ‘elite’ class.” —Dr. Samuel Backman

Dr. Samuel Backman · January 10, 2013

Biography • Dr. Samuel Backman

Samuel earned degrees from Saint Olaf College, Yale University, and the University of Oklahoma…

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    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

Random Quote

[Speaking of those who wish to eliminate Latin from the liturgy.] “One may well wonder what the origin is of this new way of thinking and this sudden dislike for the past; one may well wonder why these things have been fostered.”

— Pope Saint Paul VI (15 August 1966)

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