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“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · April 23, 2022

Choir Directors • “Is It Worth The Struggle?”

The choir director’s vocation is chock-full of difficulties.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 18, 2022

{ Next Year! } • Somber Kyrie Settings For Lent

Corpus Christi Watershed has provided rehearsal videos to assist choir members who do not read music well.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 13, 2022

Kevin Allen’s “Dómine Convértere” Sung At Saint Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)

The Vatican’s choir sounds beautiful these days—no longer is it “the scandal of Christendom.”

Jeff Ostrowski · April 11, 2022

PDF Download • SATB “Refrain” for Good Friday

Is it “traditional” to receive Holy Communion on Good Friday?

Jeff Ostrowski · April 7, 2022

“Schizophrenia” • Pius XII Annihilated Tenebræ

I know of no author who has attempted to reconcile, explain, or justify the (obviously contradictory) “schizophrenia flaw.”

Andrea Leal · April 6, 2022

PDF Download • “Regina Caeli for 3 Voices”

I never shared this before because pride and perfectionism held me back.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 6, 2022

“Victimæ Paschali Laudes” • Nineteen (19) Organ Accompaniments

Including a remarkable musical setting by Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923).

Richard J. Clark · April 4, 2022

It is time. Sacred Song and the Kingdom of God

The small efforts we make become the mustard seed that transforms a life forever. The seed you plant may convert one soul or many.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 2, 2022

“Hymn To Saint Joseph” • (Rec. 4/2/2022)

Certainly the only “Eucharistic” hymn to Saint Joseph I know!

Jeff Ostrowski · April 1, 2022

Gregorian Chant • “Its True & Authentic Rhythm”

For this coming Sunday (Passion Sunday), there’s only one “MMV” singers must observe—and I placed a little arrow above it.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 31, 2022

Cardinal Schönborn Consecrates “IKEA Altar”

When Father Fortescue was diagnosed with cancer, he was seen to kiss devoutly the Altar on which he had so frequently celebrated Mass before going to the hospital to die.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 25, 2022

PDF Download • “Missa Philomena” (Philippe Verdelot) — Part 1 has been added.

We already released Part 2; today we release Part 1.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2022

“Extraordinary Form” • Is This Name Still Allowed?

Fulton J. Sheen reminded us: “Many a pontiff goes through life without making a single infallible decision … not one.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 20, 2022

“Ah, Holy Jesus” • Lent + Passiontide Hymn

Mr. Currie complained about hymn lyrics that “unduly emphasize the human nature of the Savior.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 15, 2022

“Three Hymns for Lent” • (Rec. 03/10/2022)

Sometimes what goes without saying must be said.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 13, 2022

“To Hear Before You Die” • Essential Listening Guide

Today Dr. Calabrese talks about James MacMillan’s “Seven Last Words From The Cross.”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 13, 2022

PDF Download • “Audi Benigne Conditor” (Organ Accompaniment)

Finding the “perfect” accompaniment for hymns can be challenging. Here’s my attempt.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 9, 2022

“Church Music” • Opportunity of a Lifetime!

We’ve streamlined our application process; register online today!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 9, 2022

PDF • “Hymn Suggestions For Each Sunday”

The conscientious choirmaster takes people where they are and then—carefully and prudently—leads them to something higher.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 8, 2022

“Like None Other!” • New Three-Voice Collection

I could not function as a choirmaster without this collection.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski
PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“One must pray to God not only with theologically precise formulas, but also in a beautiful and dignified way. The Christian community must make an examination of conscience so that the beauty of music and song will return increasingly to the liturgy.”

— Pope Saint John Paul II (26 February 2003)

Recent Posts

  • “I Decided to Get a Plane Ticket and Fly 8,700 Miles From Singapore to Take Part.”
  • Alabama Assessment!
  • “How Has Nobody Done This Before?” • Vol. 1
  • “Exceeded Every Expectation!” • Mr. O’Brien’s Review
  • “81 Photos” • Sacred Music Symposium 2022

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