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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

William Fritz • Article Archive

William J. Fritz is a composer, organist, choir director and music teacher. He studied music, philosophy and theology with the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey in Orange County, and received his masters in theology from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada. He currently serves as music director in both forms of the Roman Rite at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa, CA where he resides with his wife and three boys.—Read full biography (with photographs).

William J. Fritz · February 28, 2025

From Inspiration to Implementation • “Lenten Choral Extensions” (And a Free Gift!)

I decided to try something different for Lent…

William J. Fritz · January 6, 2025

The Dedication of a Musician

“In other words, it is in the very being of what it is to be human to be giving of oneself.”

William J. Fritz · November 16, 2024

Principles vs Preferences

I ran into this idea recently…

William J. Fritz · October 7, 2024

Mass • “Singing” Vs. “Reciting”

That single change made clear that those present were able to enter more deeply…

William J. Fritz · August 23, 2024

“Introducing Chant in Your Parish” • With Kevin Allen

“If Bach wanted to learn from the master, he had to go a long way to do it, so he made the sacrifice to do it.” —Kevin Allen

William J. Fritz · December 13, 2023

Recording Release! • Marenzio’s “Salve Regina”

I recorded my choir trying out the little “puzzle” (sent by Benedetti to Cipriano de Rore) to see whether the pitch would drift at all…

William J. Fritz · September 17, 2023

Enter the Gregorian Rhythm Wars

My goal is to clarify and illumine what I believe exactly is at stake when we debate the rhythm in chant. I shall first attempt to summarize the core arguments that each of the main authors in this blog series use.

William J. Fritz · September 13, 2023

“Ever Ancient, Ever New” • Sacred Concert in North Florida

“It is even more encouraging when a concert with 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐 Catholic music is done.” —Mæstro Fritz

William J. Fritz · July 7, 2023

EWTN Broadcast • Sacred Music by MacMillan + Eight Emerging Composers

This coming Saturday (8 July) at 7:00pm, EWTN will be broadcasting …

William J. Fritz · December 17, 2020

(Installment #15) “Catholic Hymnals” • William Fritz

To (re)Harmonize a Hymn—“Anima Christi” by Dr. Theodore Marier

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William J. Fritz · May 15, 2020

How to Change a Hymn Without Changing It

Ever thought of changing the way you play a hymn without needing to have studies advanced theory and harmonization techniques? Here are two ways of changing the way you are playing a hymn without changing the harmony or re-voicing it.

William J. Fritz · April 17, 2020

A Blessing and a Curse: Digital Sheet Music

Have you seen a musician using a tablet to read their music as they performed? Ever wondered how that would work in your choir or for you?

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William J. Fritz · April 15, 2020

Repeating Repertoire? • William Fritz

As church musicians, we have incredible responsibility and influence.

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William J. Fritz · February 21, 2020

What Kind of Interest is there in a Gregorian Chant Class?

Have you ever considered how a class on Gregorian chant would be received? Why is there an increasing desire among Catholics to include chant in the Mass and liturgy? Look at how one such class was received in Southern California. Outline included of class structure.

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William J. Fritz · January 22, 2020

Biography • William J. Fritz

William Fritz is a composer, pianist, organist, liturgical musician and director of music at St. John the Baptist Parish in Costa Mesa, CA.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
    From 2005–2009, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was considered ‘papabile’ during the last conclave. On 8 December 2008, he wrote this powerful statement concerning Gregorian Chant, participatio actuosa, celebration “ad orientem,” and other subjects. When it comes to the question of what “sacred” means, Monsignor Robert A. Skeris provides a marvelous answer.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “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

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

“For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders”—is that English idiom? “For the Nazis, and all the Germans, except they say Heil Hitler! meet not in the street, holding their lives valuable”—is that English idiom?

— Monsignor Ronald Knox

Recent Posts

  • Online Breviary With Chant
  • “Dynamic Equivalence” • Serious Problems with the Forthcoming Lectionary Translation
  • Cardinal Ranjith on “Active Participation”
  • Exec. Director of ICEL weighs in on our series • “PDF comparison chart” included
  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)

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