Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Richard J. Clark · March 11, 2016

When the Liturgy Astounds • The Fire of Divine Love

I found these words to be jaw dropping—utterly astounding.

Andrew Leung · March 10, 2016

Yes or No? • Accompanying Chant with the Organ

One of the hottest topics in the field: should chanting be accompanied by the organ?

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · March 10, 2016

Has The Church Rejected Her Inheritance?

The richness of liturgy and music should never be abandoned.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 8, 2016

Undoing A “Wreckovation” Is Possible

A positive church transformation!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 8, 2016

They Lied To Me In Grad School

No matter what anyone else thinks, strive for greatness and never look back!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2016

PDF Download • “New Westminster Hymnal” (1939)

Can Watershed survive? (Part 4)

Fr. David Friel · March 6, 2016

Parish Lenten Programs • 15 Suggestions

Simply adhering to the liturgical traditions of the Church would be a wonderful Lenten program for every parish.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 5, 2016

“Ave Maris Stella” • Take II

Have you ever changed your mind with regard to tempo?

Guest Author · March 5, 2016

“To Sing With The Angels” • A History Of The Twin Cities Catholic Chorale

A guest article by Dr. Virginia A. Schubert.

Andrew Leung · March 3, 2016

Video • Why is Modern Art so Bad?

Why do we see so many ugly modern churches nowadays?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 3, 2016

Rehearsal Videos • My Favorite Lenten Hymn

Can Watershed survive? (Part 3)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 2, 2016

PDF Download • “Woodward Hymnal” (1913) … Outrageously Rare!

Can Watershed survive? (Part 2)

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 1, 2016

Choir and Cantor?

Please, let the choir lead!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 1, 2016

| Part 1 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

Can Watershed survive? (Part 1)

Christopher Mueller · February 29, 2016

The Domestic Church and the domestic schola

The family that sings together prays together.

Simplified Accompaniment (Easter Hymn)

Number 36 in the Brébeuf Hymnal is “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,” an English translation for Ad Cenam Agni Próvidi (which was called “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” starting 1631). As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for it. Simple click here and scroll to the bottom. Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult—which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments. Sadly, many readers will click that link but forget to scroll to the bottom where the simplified PDF file is located.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Quasi Modo Sunday”

The Introit for “Quasi Modo Sunday” (12 April 2026) is particularly beautiful. The musical score can be downloaded as a PDF file, and so can the organ accompaniment. The official language of the Catholic Church is Latin (whereas Greek is our mother tongue). Vatican II said Gregorian Chant must be given “first place” under normal circumstances. As a result, some parishes will rightly sing the authentic version. On the other hand, because so many USA dioceses disobey the mandate of Vatican II, some musicians sing plainsong in the vernacular. I have attempted to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ while singing the English version. Although very few take advantage of it, the complete Proprium Missae is posted at the flourishing feasts website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

‘German’ Introductions for Hymns

German organ books have an enchanting habit of including introductions for each and every hymn. For example, consider this snazzy example found in a German hymnal published in 1902. In the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal, that melody is called “Laudes Mariae” and was married to Omni Die Dic Mariae, with a popular English translation (“Daily, daily, sing to Mary”) by Father Henry Bittleston, an Oratorian priest. Notice they also added a ‘tailpiece’ or ‘playout’ or postlude at the end—a very German thing to do!

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Anima Christi”

I received a request for an organ accompaniment I created way back in 2007 for the “Anima Christi” Gregorian Chant. You can download this PDF file which has the score in plainsong followed by a keyboard accompaniment. Many melodies have been paired with “Anima Christi” over the centuries, but this is—perhaps—the most common one.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)

On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“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