Articles

Fr. David Friel · July 26, 2011

The Experience of Ordination

What was I thinking?

Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2011

Modern Sacred Music

QUESTION: Are there any composers alive today writing truly great Sacred music?

Jeff Ostrowski · April 17, 2011

Proof Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt

Whenever you learn a new word, you will see it within 24 hours.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 9, 2010

Voice Leading Matters

All men are created equal, but what about accompaniments for Gregorian chant?

PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”

During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).

—Jeff Ostrowski

Introit • (This Coming Sunday)

Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”

My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”

—Jeff Ostrowski