Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Repeating Repertoire? • Dr. Calabrese

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · March 25, 2020

“I have made the mistake in the past of scheduling a whole set of new pieces for three of four weeks in a row.”

Repeating Repertoire? • Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2020

There’s an old saying: “Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.”

PDF Download • “Ad Regias Agni Dapes” (Organ Accompaniment)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2020

I composed this organ accompaniment yesterday, looking ahead towards Eastertide.

Readings & Prayers Used By My Family On Sunday…

Jeff Ostrowski · March 22, 2020

Including Fulton J. Sheen, Charles de Foucauld, and a Homily by Father Valentine Young, OFM

“Separated from the Sacraments” • Stories from Walter Ciszek, SJ

Fr. David Friel · March 22, 2020

A missionary in Soviet Russia, Fr. Ciszek learned the spirituality of surrender through tremendous suffering.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski