Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Andrew Leung · August 13, 2015

Thoughts on the “Hymn” for the Year of Mercy?

The Vatican has just introduced the official hymn of the Holy Year Of Mercy. Any thoughts?

Jeff Ostrowski · August 13, 2015

Musical Resources • 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

The “Testament of the Spirit” is the new and permanent covenant established by Jesus Christ between God and men.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2015

Cardinal Sarah’s Powerful Letter Available In English!

“Adoremus Bulletin” has uploaded a translation of the CDW Prefect’s document.

Andrew Leung · August 12, 2015

John Scott (1956-2015)

Today, the world lost one of the greatest living church musicians, Dr. John Scott.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 11, 2015

Remarkable! • Amiens Cathedral During World War

There’s something scary about this image!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 11, 2015

Evelyn Waugh Requiem Panegyric Preached At Westminster By Fr. Caraman (21 April 1966)

“Evelyn was sad when he read of churches in which the old altar was taken down…”

Jeff Ostrowski · August 10, 2015

Carlo Rossini: “Exaltate Deum Hymnal” (1941)

115 Offertories, Motets, and Hymns for SATB choirs.

Fr. David Friel · August 9, 2015

Vesting Prayers • Part 6 of 9

The Maniple

Jeff Ostrowski · August 9, 2015

Do You Like This German Hymn Tune?

Hymns in 3/4 can present problems, but this one really isn’t…

Veronica Brandt · August 8, 2015

Three part motet for the Assumption by Ravanello

A little counterpoint gem with ramblings on solfege.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 7, 2015

Propers for the Assumption (15 August)

Videos, Scores, & Mp3 Files

Richard J. Clark · August 7, 2015

That’s Entertainment, Folks!

Entertainment distracts from the Real Presence. We must lead. We must offer substance. Our spiritual lives depend upon it, as do those whom we serve.

Andrew Leung · August 6, 2015

Sacred Music as an Emotional Experience

Emotions and the field of Sacred Music

Jeff Ostrowski · August 6, 2015

Pope Paul VI Celebrates Ambrosian Rite At Vatican II

Cardinal Montini—later known as Pope Paul VI—celebrates Mass in the St. Peter’s Basilica during Vatican II.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 5, 2015

Help Needed From Organists Who Can Improvise!

Are you a composer?

Liturgical Round (“Canon”) in C-Major

Those who direct children’s choirs are always on the lookout for repertoire that’s dignified, inspired, and pleasing—yet still within reach of young choristers. Such directors will want to investigate this haunting liturgical round (PDF download) which has been married to the KYRIE from Mass VI (EDITIO VATICANA). I have provided an accompaniment, but it’s only for use during rehearsal; i.e. when teaching this round to your choristers. I also provided an organ accompaniment for the KYRIE—which some know by its trope (Kyrie Rex Genitor)—so that your congregation can take part when this round is used as a choral extension during Mass.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Latin Liturgy Association

We note with pleasure that Mrs. Regina Morris, president of the Latin Liturgy Association, has featured—on page 4 of Volume CXXIX of their official newsletter—the three (3) terrific versions of the Stations of the Cross found in the Brébeuf Hymnal. One of the main authors for the blog of the Church Music Association of America said (6/10/2019) about this pew book: “It is such a fantastic hymnal that it deserves to be in the pews of every Catholic church.”

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Music List” • 28th in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 12 October 2025, which is the 28th 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 dazzling feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

New Bulletin Article • “12 October 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 12 October 2025) talks about an ‘irony’ or ‘paradox’ regarding the 1960s switch to a wider use (amplior locus) of vernacular in the liturgy.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“American Catholic Hymnal” (1991)

The American Catholic Hymnal, with IMPRIMATUR granted (25 April 1991) by the Archdiocese of Chicago, is like a compendium of every horrible idea from the 1980s. Imagine being forced to stand all through Communion (even afterwards) when those self-same ‘enlightened’ liturgists moved the SEQUENCE before the Alleluia to make sure congregations wouldn’t have to stand during it. (Even worse, everything about the SEQUENCE—including its name—means it should follow the Alleluia.) And imagine endlessly repeating “Alleluia” during Holy Communion at every single Mass. It was all part of an effort to convince people that Holy Communion was historically a procession (which it wasn’t).

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Canonic” • Ralph Vaughan Williams

Fifty years ago, Dr. Theodore Marier made available this clever arrangement (PDF) of “Come down, O love divine” by P. R. Dietterich. The melody was composed in 1906 by Ralph Vaughan Williams (d. 1958) and named in honor of of his birthplace: DOWN AMPNEY. The arrangement isn’t a strict canon, but it does remind one of a canon since the pipe organ employs “points of imitation.” The melody and text are #709 in the Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal.

—Jeff Ostrowski