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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

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Jeff Ostrowski · September 28, 2021

PDF Download • “Can A Hymnal Be Too Catholic?”

Can Protestant translations be dangerous? This paper presents items worth considering.

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Jeff Ostrowski · September 24, 2021

“Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 3 of 3

The ability of your singers to sight-read music instantly does not guarantee a good performance.

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Jeff Ostrowski · September 8, 2021

PDF Download • “Old Catholic Missal” (1909) … for the Schismatic “See of Utrecht”

Readers will enjoy perusing this book.

Jeff Ostrowski · September 1, 2021

PDF Download • Bishop Donohoe: “I wish you to definitely confront the priest…”

A bizarre 1976 letter seeks “priest hunters” in the diocese of Fresno.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 27, 2021

PDF Download • “Pater Noster” by Van Nuffel (1937)

Throughout my career, I have tried to follow the advice Cardinal Mercier gave the young Fulton J. Sheen.

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Jeff Ostrowski · August 14, 2021

PDF Download • “Ave Maris Stella” (Organ Accompaniment)

The second part has blank staves—so you can compose your own organ harmonies!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 13, 2021

“Part 3 of 3” • Guerrero Kyrie for Our Lady

This is—perhaps—the most phenomenally gorgeous piece ever written.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2021

PDF Download • Hymn for the Assumption • (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)

This hymn was originally for the Assumption, but now can be used on various Marian feasts.

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Jeff Ostrowski · August 9, 2021

PDF Download • “A Very Sloppy Accompaniment”

What I played from yesterday…

Jeff Ostrowski · August 6, 2021

PDF Download • Alleluia (SATB) by Morales for “Ordinary Form” + “Extraordinary Form”

This piece works well in the “OF” (Ordinary Form) and also the “EF” (Extraordinary Form).

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Jeff Ostrowski · August 2, 2021

“What is Vespers?” • Live Rec. + 100% Scrolling Score

After more than a year of Vespers having been forbidden (due to Covid-19) we’re back!

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Jeff Ostrowski · July 31, 2021

(29 Pages) • Free Organ Accompaniment Book — Draft copy

The following is what I will use to accompany the congregation tomorrow.

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Jeff Ostrowski · July 31, 2021

PDF Download • Vespers Booklet for This Sunday (draft)

Starting pitches are included!

Jeff Ostrowski · July 19, 2021

PDF Download • The “1965 Missal” (1,785 pages)

“Truly Perplexing” • Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio

Jeff Ostrowski · July 3, 2021

PDF Download • “Polyphonic Creed Extension” (Perfect Canon Between Soprano & Alto)

This fabulous technique is common in Germanic countries…

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 25, 2021

PDF Download • Pentecost Sequence In English! — Gregorian Notation w/ Organ Accompaniment

Does plainsong work in English? It actually can!

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 22, 2021

PDF Download • Colossally Stupendous “Missal for the Faithful” — 1,142 pages

This is a large file (172 MB), but trust me! You will love it.

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 11, 2021

“Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 1 of 3

A perfect canon is the hardest thing to compose—and this is one!

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 7, 2021

“Part 2 of 3” • Guerrero Kyrie for Our Lady

This *might* be the most beautiful 45 seconds in music—Father Guerrero’s compositions are truly awe-inspiring!

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Jeff Ostrowski · June 6, 2021

PDF Drafts • Ten (10) Gregorian Chant Litanies

Here’s what I currently have…but several of these draft copies are pretty ugly!

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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

“Whether celebrated with priest and people facing each other or with priest and people together facing the same direction, every Eucharist is Christ coming to meet us, gracing us with a share in his own divine life.”

— Most Rev’d Arthur J. Serratelli (1 December 2016)

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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