Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · June 23, 2016

“I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.”

St. John Vianney was once overheard speaking directly to the Lord.

Fr. David Friel · June 23, 2016

Colloquium 2016 • Day 3

The Organic Development of the Liturgy and the New Music Breakouts

Fr. David Friel · June 22, 2016

Colloquium 2016 • Day 2

Explanatory Images from Wilko Brouwers

Jeff Ostrowski · June 22, 2016

Purchase Hard Copies of the Goupil Gradual

Eight reasons why every choirmaster needs this new resource.

Fr. David Friel · June 21, 2016

Colloquium 2016 • Day 1

A concert of early music by the ensemble “Pro-Arte Saint Louis”

Jeff Ostrowski · June 21, 2016

First Instance of “Alius Cantus Aptus”

“The current rubrics of the missal … specify the moments when the celebrant must turn toward the people.” —Cardinal Sarah, 23 May 2016

Jeff Ostrowski · June 20, 2016

“Vidimus Stellam Ejus In Oriente”

Who could deny the text painting here?

Jeff Ostrowski · June 19, 2016

Musical Resources • 5th Sunday after Pentecost

“O God, Who hast prepared good things unseen for them that love Thee…”

Jeff Ostrowski · June 18, 2016

Does the Mass Demand a Certain Level of Dignity?

I started asking myself how anyone could argue against something like this. After all, isn’t it good to share joy?

Andrew Leung · June 16, 2016

A Guardian of the Sacred Tradition in the South — Part 2

Why is the Basilica community so lively and why are they growing so much?

Jeff Ostrowski · June 15, 2016

Essential Resources • Psalm Tones for Mass Propers

“The singing of the Communion Antiphon alone, which sufficed at sung Mass when Holy Communion was not given, is insufficient under the new conditions…” —Solesmes (1957)

Jeff Ostrowski · June 14, 2016

Congregational Singing in the Year 1903

“The Ordinary of the Mass and the hymn at Vespers are the parts of Divine Service in which the congregation is supposed to join.” —Solesmes (1903)

Dr. Lucas Tappan · June 14, 2016

The Theology of the Organ

Let’s put the organ back on the pedestal it rightfully deserves.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 14, 2016

New Gloria Mixing Plainsong w/ Polyphony

… composed by a Franciscan monk!

Jeff Ostrowski · June 12, 2016

Musical Resources • 4th Sunday after Pentecost

“May the mysteries we have received purify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord…”

New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”

My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?

It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

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

There is a lack of that kind of organization which favors mature judgment. Move on, move on, get it out. Schemata are multiplied without ever arriving at a considered form. The system of discussion is bad … Often the schemata arrive just before the discussions. Sometimes, and in important matters, such as the new anaphoras, the schema was distributed the evening before the discussion was to take place … Father Bugnini has only one interest: press ahead and finish.

— Cardinal Antonelli (Peritus during the Second Vatican Council)