Views from the Choir Loft

Wilfrid Jones

Wilfrid Jones in a PhD student in the theology faculty of the Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, studying the theology and practice of sacred music. He studied music at New College, Oxford; theology and the University of Birmingham; and education at Hughes Hall and Sidney Sussex Colleges, Cambridge. He teaches at St Bede's Inter-Church School, Cambridge. Read more

Post-Pandemic Liturgy

Wilfrid Jones · May 15, 2020

Some very brief comments on the lessons we might learn during this pandemic for the future of liturgical music.

Unveiling the songs of hope: fr Timothy Radcliffe op

Wilfrid Jones · May 2, 2020

One of the most significant thinkers in the Church today shares his thoughts on, and experiences of, music as a source of hope in the darkest of times. When we face death, we respond in song.

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“Hearing the Music of Heaven” • An interview with Father Dominic White OP

Wilfrid Jones · April 24, 2020

An interview with the Dominican composer and theologian Fr Dominic White about his work and theological approach to music.

Easter Chants from Fisher House

Wilfrid Jones · April 22, 2020

A recording of the chants of the Easter Vigil.

Repeating Repertoire? • Wilfrid Jones

Wilfrid Jones · March 31, 2020

Post-Liberal Theology compares a religion to a language. How might that comparison, which could include the concept of a “vocabulary” of liturgical music, inform how we think about repeating repertoire?

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From a Catholic priest…

Regarding the CCW mailing list, a priest (Father E. J.) wrote to us yesterday:

“Sometime ago, you wrote something along the lines that none of your emails are copies or merely pitches; each one is individual. I respect you so much for that. I don’t always get to read through them, but they remain in my inbox for when I have time. I can’t over estimate how much I appreciate you and your team’s work, how many times I’ve turned to CCwatershed for guidance, tips, and ideas. Unfortunately I’m not in a position to choose or direct music at my assignment. I may have said this to you once before but: I look forward to when I can. One of the first things I’d do in a parish is bring your resources aboard (gradually, of course).”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Does Gregorian Chant ever skip a 7th?

I’ve really been enjoying singing from the Père Daniel Kyriale (126 pages), which is a fabulous little book. I had no idea it would turn out so nicely—incredibly useful, and the printing is super crisp. I noticed something quite strange the other day: Kyrie X (an extremely ancient chant) contains a skip of a seventh. Sometimes that’s the result of a missing Trope, but not in this instance. (I know, because I also examined the Troped version.)

—Jeff Ostrowski

We love getting messages like this one…

“I am a 25-year-old organist and cantor from the mountains of Northern Colorado. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your friends for working hard to bring excellent content to your website and my inbox. I have found many, many awesome resources to help me stay faithful to the Church’s stance and traditions on good, beautiful sacred music at the local parishes for which I play the organ and cantor. Truly refreshing to see all the good content. Mere words fail me. I wish you could know how helpful you’ve been. I can sense your passion for this, and it’s contagious. We were able to start to implement the chanted antiphons in English, and I am more comfortable singing the traditional Latin propers at Holy Communion or Offertory. I have a tremendous appreciation for the beauty handed down by our forefathers, especially with the Extraordinary Form Mass… I wish we could have them more often, but good things are starting to happen to sacred music. Other church musicians I know and used to work with are grateful for your resources and hard work. You influence more people than you know!”

—Jeff Ostrowski