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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

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · March 31, 2026

Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?

Now I will explain what that means.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 29, 2026

Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

(11 of 50) “Most Holy Trinity”

Cynthia Ostrowski · March 27, 2026

“Priest Saying Mass” • Medieval Illumination

I love the drawing of the little guy ringing the bell.

Mark Haas · March 25, 2026

From Sentiment to Sacrament: Reclaiming Sacred Music for the Wedding Mass

“She could very well be the beauty, but my heavens, what does the groom look like?!”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 23, 2026

“Versions of the Psalter” • Jeff Interviews Top Biblical Scholar: Dr. Mark Giszczak

Including a special release—“Rare as a Unicorn”—Pius XII Psalter in Latin and English (1,545 pages).

Veronica Moreno · March 21, 2026

Summer 2026 • “Gregorian Chant Course” at Aquinas College (Nashville, TN)

Participants who complete registration and submit full payment by May 1 receive a discounted registration fee.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 19, 2026

PDF Download • Simplified Keyboard Accompaniments for Lenten Hymns

There’s nothing wrong with simplicity—so long as the music itself is inspired, memorable, dignified, and singable.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 17, 2026

Ending Good Friday on “Mi” … ?

I’ve always loved this variant.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 16, 2026

“Innsbruck Hymn” • Bach Saint Matthew Passion

Singers just love this melody!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 16, 2026

Dr. Tappan • Answers + Analysis: My “Inquiry” For Music Directors (3,087 words)

“This spring my chorister program will see the first priest ordained from our former chorister ranks.” —Dr. Tappan

Jeff Ostrowski · March 16, 2026

Eucharistic Hymns for Your Choir

From Los Angeles!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 15, 2026

Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

(10 of 50) “Humanity of Christ”

Corpus Christi Watershed · March 15, 2026

“Breviary Editors Did It First!” • Omitting Verses?

A reader says: “If a verse ends on a question mark, it might make sense to sing the verse that follows.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 13, 2026

Consultor to the Vatican Council Enters the Fray • (Vis-à-vis Jeff’s Pipe Organ Assertion)

“The first breakthrough came in Czechoslovakia where they gave permission to play the organ on Good Friday.” —Father Percy Jones

Daniel Tucker · March 13, 2026

Palm Sunday • “Repertoire for Children’s Choir”

My children’s choir sang the soprano and alto parts of No. 4 last year…

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
    Liturgical reformers who gained power after Vatican II frequently caused great suffering to musicians. With the stroke of a pen, they sometimes make changes that would require thousands—or even millions—of man hours (work undertaken by composers and editors). The Sprinkling Rite during Eastertide is but one tiny example. The version given in that PDF document was the original melody for Roman Missal, Third Edition. Some still prefer that version. However, at the last moment, an “unknown hand” tinkered with a few notes in the antiphon. Those who examine the current edition can verify this with their own eyes.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
    Plainsong of the Roman Rite has many variants—i.e. slight ‘variations’ or ‘alterations’ made to the ancient melodies. Variants often thrive in particular religious orders. Likewise, before Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, Gregorian Chant variants were frequently associated with individual cathedrals in England: Hereford, Lincoln, Salisbury, and so forth. In the early 20th century, the (Anglican) organist at Westminster Abbey married “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” to this beautiful variant melody from England. Those who sing Gregorian Chant on Good Friday will recognize the melody. What do you think of this pairing?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
    Gustav Adolf Merkel (d. 1885) was a German organist, teacher, and composer. Although a Lutheran himself, he held the appointment at the (Roman Catholic) Cathedral of Dresden from 1864 until his death. You can download his Organ Postlude in E-Flat, which I like very much. He has an interesting way of marking the pedal notes. What do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “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
    PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)
    I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Holy, Holy, Holy”
    For vigil Masses on Saturday (a.k.a. “anticipated” Masses) we use this simpler setting of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989), a Belgian priest, organist, composer, and music educator who ultimately succeeded another ‘Jules’ (CANON JULES VAN NUFFEL) as director of the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium. Although I could be wrong, my understanding is that the LEMMENSINSTITUUT eventually merged with “Catholic University of Leuven” (originally founded in 1425). That’s the university Fulton J. Sheen attended.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Many declare that Vatican Council II brought about a true springtime in the Church. Nevertheless, a growing number of Church leaders see this “springtime” as a rejection, a renunciation of her centuries-old heritage, or even as a radical questioning of her past and Tradition. Political Europe is rebuked for abandoning or denying its Christian roots; but the first to have abandoned her Christian roots and past is indisputably the post-conciliar Catholic Church.

— ‘Pope Francis’ Chief Liturgist (31 March 2017)’

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
  • ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
  • Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?
  • PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
  • Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

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