Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download

Jeff Ostrowski · April 1, 2026

PDF Download • “Sprinkling Rite”

At the last second, a few tones were changed in the antiphon.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 1, 2026

‘Sarum’ Good Friday?

Do you recognize it?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 31, 2026

Gregorian Chant • The “Correct” Way of Singing ?

Now I will explain what that means.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 30, 2026

PDF Download • “Eb Organ Postlude”

Although a Lutheran himself, he held the appointment at a Roman Catholic Cathedral until his death.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 28, 2026

Music List • (Palm Sunday, 2026)

Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for this coming Sunday.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 28, 2026

Easter • Would You Sing This Hymn?

Should this be added to the “pernicious hymn pairing” collection?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2026

Pipe Organ “Answers” in Plainsong?

Some might be a bit confused as to why it says the organ “answers” in Plainsong.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2026

“Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026

How well do you know your Gregorian hymns?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 23, 2026

“Versions of the Psalter” • Jeff Interviews Top Biblical Scholar: Dr. Mark Giszczak

Including a special release—“Rare as a Unicorn”—Pius XII Psalter in Latin and English (1,545 pages).

Jeff Ostrowski · March 21, 2026

PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)

A wonderful option for smaller choirs.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 20, 2026

Music List • (5th Sunday of Lent)

Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for this coming Sunday.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 19, 2026

Music List • (Holy Thursday, 2026)

Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for Maundy Thursday.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 19, 2026

“O Escam Viatorum” • (Holy Thursday)

I was way off the mark!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 19, 2026

PDF Download • Simplified Keyboard Accompaniments for Lenten Hymns

There’s nothing wrong with simplicity—so long as the music itself is inspired, memorable, dignified, and singable.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 14, 2026

Music List • (4th Sunday of Lent)

Readers have expressed interest in examining my “music list” for this coming Sunday.

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

“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