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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Corrinne May · November 14, 2022

Help Me Banish ‘Wimpy’ Hymn Texts!

Preparing this blog, I discovered interesting snippets about the hymn, the composer, the translator, and even the poet who penned these lines in Latin!

Dr. Charles Weaver · November 13, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Charlie’s First Response to Jeff” (13 Nov 2022)

Ostrowski, wishing to avoid fussiness, may justifiably refuse this invitation. But to argue, as he has, that these signs and the prayerful and aesthetic movements they embody are “illicit” is just wildly off the mark.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 13, 2022

PDF Download • “Gregorian Accompaniments” … Just in time for Advent! (366 pages)

The second half of today’s article answers questions submitted by Mr. Matthew Frederes.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 12, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Jeff’s First Response to Patrick” (12 Nov 2022)

Mr. Williams, today I challenge you (please) to provide direct responses for two questions.

Matthew Frederes · November 10, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Frederes Feedback”

Why declare that rhythmic signs are permitted if alteration of any kind is unacceptable? It doesn’t make any sense…

Jeff Ostrowski · November 10, 2022

Blase Cardinal Cupich Responds Directly to Me!

I will not insult your intelligence by telling you what I suspect happened.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 9, 2022

“Vatican Commission on Gregorian Chant” • Biographies for Its Twenty Members

Including two (2) documents translated into English for the first time!

Jeff Ostrowski · November 8, 2022

“Whoever controls the language controls the Masses.”

“Missa Back-To-The-Future” (a recent OCP offering) isn’t part of the treasury mandated by Vatican II; nor do I belong on the basketball court with Michael Jordan.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 5, 2022

Remembering Mr. Tom Savoy • “Requiescat in pace.”

Tom died suddenly on 24 October 2022 (a month shy of his 67th birthday) at his home in Charlotte.

Patrick Williams · November 4, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Doubled Notes”

“We have a number of quotations from medieval writers in support of proportional rhythm…” —Patrick Williams

Patrick Williams · November 3, 2022

Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Patrick’s First Response to Jeff” • (3 Nov 2022)

“Mr. Ostrowski apparently wants to lock this door, install a deadbolt, and throw away both keys!” —Patrick Williams

Corpus Christi Watershed · November 3, 2022

“Now Available!” • Campion Missal (3rd Edition)

Three words: “Sleek, Powerful, and Gorgeous”

Corpus Christi Watershed · November 2, 2022

“Death stops us; it stops our race.” —Saint Newman

“They were parents, brothers, sisters, children, and friends; but the bond of the kindred is broken, and the silver cord of love is loosed…” —John Henry Newman

Jeff Ostrowski · November 1, 2022

“Gregorian Chant Rhythm Wars” • Ostrowski Vs. Williams

My colleague, Patrick Williams has agreed to enter into a “colloquy” with me vis-à-vis Gregorian rhythm.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Jeff Ostrowski · October 28, 2022

“To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King” • Melody Comes From Where?

Nobody seems capable of answering this question.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
    Liturgical reformers who gained power after Vatican II frequently caused great suffering to musicians. With the stroke of a pen, they sometimes make changes that would require thousands—or even millions—of man hours (work undertaken by composers and editors). The Sprinkling Rite during Eastertide is but one tiny example. The version given in that PDF document was the original melody for Roman Missal, Third Edition. Some still prefer that version. However, at the last moment, an “unknown hand” tinkered with a few notes in the antiphon. Those who examine the current edition can verify this with their own eyes.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
    Plainsong of the Roman Rite has many variants—i.e. slight ‘variations’ or ‘alterations’ made to the ancient melodies. Variants often thrive in particular religious orders. Likewise, before Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, Gregorian Chant variants were frequently associated with individual cathedrals in England: Hereford, Lincoln, Salisbury, and so forth. In the early 20th century, the (Anglican) organist at Westminster Abbey married “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” to this beautiful variant melody from England. Those who sing Gregorian Chant on Good Friday will recognize the melody. What do you think of this pairing?
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
    Gustav Adolf Merkel (d. 1885) was a German organist, teacher, and composer. Although a Lutheran himself, he held the appointment at the (Roman Catholic) Cathedral of Dresden from 1864 until his death. You can download his Organ Postlude in E-Flat, which I like very much. He has an interesting way of marking the pedal notes. What do you think?
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
    How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)
    I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Holy, Holy, Holy”
    For vigil Masses on Saturday (a.k.a. “anticipated” Masses) we use this simpler setting of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989), a Belgian priest, organist, composer, and music educator who ultimately succeeded another ‘Jules’ (CANON JULES VAN NUFFEL) as director of the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium. Although I could be wrong, my understanding is that the LEMMENSINSTITUUT eventually merged with “Catholic University of Leuven” (originally founded in 1425). That’s the university Fulton J. Sheen attended.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

An Indult of the “Commission for Russia” (25 November 1929) authorizes Bishops and Administrators Apostolic in Russia to permit the celebration of Mass and the reception of Holy Communion in the afternoon or evening, on condition that a Eucharistic fast of four hours from noon be observed.

— Sacred Congregation of Rites, 25 nov 1929

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”
  • ‘Sarum’ Good Friday?
  • Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?
  • PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”
  • Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”

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