Views from the Choir Loft

How to Read and Sing Gregorian Chant

Not everyone will agree with all the ideas, conclusions, and methods put forth below. However, it is hoped that some will find these lessons useful. As time goes on, the lessons will be expanded upon, with even more examples being included. Also, if readers notice errors and mistakes, these can be corrected. — Jeff Ostrowski, June 2012

With a little effort, anybody can learn how to read Gregorian chant! However, as a teacher, it is difficult to know where to begin and what progression to follow. No doubt some singers will, with profit, go through the following lessons “out of order.”

Lesson 1: The Principles of “Movable Do”

Lesson 2: Intervallic Relationships

Lesson 3: Do Clef and Fa Clef

Lesson 4: A Practical Example

Lesson 5: Names of the Notes

Lesson 6: The Vatican Edition of the Chant

Lesson 7: Syllabic Moræ Vocis in the Vatican Edition

Lesson 8: Salicus vs. Scandicus

Lesson 9: Ecclesiastical Pronunciation of Latin

Lesson 10: Modality and Psalm Tones

Lesson 11: Thoughts on Gregorian Rhythm

Rare Recordings from the 1904 Gregorian Congress:

Don Antonio Rella Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Gaudeamus” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Assumpta est Maria” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Communion • “Optimam partem” — Dom Joseph Pothier Recording from 1904 (video)

Sequence • “Veni Sancte Spiritus” — Baron Rudolf Kanzler Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Sacerdotes” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Fac nos innocuam” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Introit • “Resurrexi” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Gradual • “Haec Dies” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

Alleluia • “Pascha Nostrum” — Dom André Mocquereau Recording from 1904 (video)

To be added at a later date:

Different Kinds of Chants (Introits, Graduals, Alleluias, Offertories, etc.)
The Origin of Written Music and the Early Gregorian MSS
Where to Learn More and Practice Chanting
In Depth Treatment of the Solesmes Ictus and Arsis & Thesis
Can Gregorian Chant be Sung in English?
Contemporary Scholarship and Its Challenges

Dr. Mahrt explains the ‘Spoken’ Propers

In 1970, the Church promulgated a new version of the Roman Missal. It goes by various names: Ordinary Form, Novus Ordo, MISSALE RECENS, and so on. If you examine the very first page, you’ll notice that Pope Saint Paul VI explains the meaning of the ‘Spoken Propers’ (which are for Masses without singing). A quote by Dr. William P. Mahrt is also included in that file. The SPOKEN PROPERS—used at Masses without music—are sometimes called The Adalbert Propers, because they were created in 1969 by Father Adalbert Franquesa Garrós, one of Hannibal Bugnini’s closest friends (according to Yves Chiron).

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • “Music List” (1st Sunday of Advent)

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 30 November 2025, which is the 1st Sunday of Advent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is quite memorable, and the fauxbourdon setting of the COMMUNION is exquisite. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • Christ the King Sunday

Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 23 November 2025, which is the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. In the 1970 Missal, this Sunday is known as: Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Universorum Regis (“Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe”). As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the magnificent feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Translations Approved for Liturgical Use”

According to the newsletter for USSCB’s Committee on Divine Worship dated September 1996, there are three (3) translations of the Bible which can be used in the sacred liturgy in the United States. You can read this information with your own eyes. It seems the USCCB and also Rome fully approved the so-called NRSV (“New Revised Standard Version”) on 13 November 1991 and 6 April 1992 but this permission was then withdrawn in 1994.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Gospel Options for 2 November (“All Souls”)

We’ve been told some bishops are suppressing the TLM because of “unity.” But is unity truly found in the MISSALE RECENS? For instance, on All Souls (2 November), any of these Gospel readings may be chosen, for any reason (or for no reason at all). The same is true of the Propria Missæ and other readings—there are countless options in the ORDINARY FORM. In other words, no matter which OF parish you attend on 2 November, you’ll almost certainly hear different propers and readings, to say nothing of different ‘styles’ of music. Where is the “unity” in all this? Indeed, the Second Vatican Council solemnly declared: “Even in the liturgy, the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in matters which do not implicate the faith or the good of the whole community.”

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Our Father” • Musical Setting?

Looking through a Roman Catholic Hymnal published in 1859 by Father Guido Maria Dreves (d. 1909), I stumbled upon this very beautiful tune (PDF file). I feel it would be absolutely perfect to set the “Our Father” in German to music. Thoughts?

—Jeff Ostrowski