Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · September 7, 2015

A New Edition Of The 1962 Missal?

Download these Propers for Saint Pio of Pietrelcina—according to the 1962 Missale Romanum!

Fr. David Friel · September 6, 2015

The Importance of Uniforms

The world needs the witness of priests in ordinary life, not just inside the church building.

Veronica Brandt · September 5, 2015

Mind, Senses and Recorded Music

A little pop psychology for your weekend.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 5, 2015

“Wearing The Cassock” • A Bishop Weighs In

“I think that all of us clerics should rethink our choice of clothing…” —Bishop René H. Gracida

Richard J. Clark · September 4, 2015

Six Things Of Which We’ve Lost Sight

No. 3: Christ is the center of our music—not us.

Andrew Leung · September 3, 2015

Cardinal Burke will be in Steubenville!

Cardinal Burke will be visiting Steubenville next Tuesday.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 3, 2015

Rehearsal Videos • “Jesu Dulcis Memoria”

I first sang this marvelous piece as a freshman in college, under Dr. James F. Daugherty.

Andrew Leung · September 2, 2015

Video • Ars Celebrandi 2015

A video of Ars Celebrandi Workshops in Poland

Jeff Ostrowski · September 2, 2015

Musical Resources • 15th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“May thine abiding loving-kindness, O Lord, cleanse and fortify thy Church…”

Guest Author · September 1, 2015

The Responsorial Psalm: What You Never Knew!

…including recent documentation from the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (USCCB).

Andrew Leung · September 1, 2015

BIG NEWS • SSPX Priests can Validly Absolve

Pope Francis has granted that SSPX priests can give absolution validly and licitly during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Corpus Christi Watershed · September 1, 2015

SUPPORTING MATERIALS • Jogues Missal

Never purchase another Missalette: Daily Companion approved by the USCCB!

Guest Author · August 31, 2015

Adapting Chant To The Vernacular

“The more closely a composition approaches the Gregorian melodic form, the more sacred it becomes.”

Fr. David Friel · August 30, 2015

Society for Catholic Liturgy Conference 2015

Featuring Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Dr. William Mahrt, and Fr. Uwe Michael Lang

Jeff Ostrowski · August 29, 2015

The Ordinary Form’s Incredible Freedom

Here’s a chart with rubrics from the 1974 “Graduale” translated into English.

New Bulletin Article • “7 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 is called: “Professor Bouyer’s Regret.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

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

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