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Corpus Christi Watershed

“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

Canon Jules Van Nuffel d 1953

Jeff Ostrowski · May 18, 2022

PDF Download • “O Salutaris” (Modern Setting)

If there’s a more beautiful setting of this text, I don’t know what it could be.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 23, 2022

Choir Directors • “Is It Worth The Struggle?”

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

Jeff Ostrowski · September 26, 2021

“Salve Regina” • Organ Accompaniment

Readers already realize that seventeen (17) splendid organ accompaniments for the simple “Salve Regina” can be freely and conveniently downloaded here. But what about the solemn tone for the “Salve Regina”—has anyone composed an organ accompaniment for that? Yes, Canon Jules Van Nuffel has composed one for the solemn version.

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 · May 31, 2021

News From Belgium • Re: Choral “Our Father”

Including an update on the Sacred Music Symposium.

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Jeff Ostrowski · April 6, 2021

PDF Download • “Sanctus for Three Voices” (Soprano, Alto, and Bass)

Can Gregorian Chant be harmonized? Does it work? Monsignor Jules Vyverman demonstrates for us!

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Jeff Ostrowski · March 21, 2015

Professional Recording • “Salve Festa Dies”

Including a video demonstration: “What makes polyphony so beautiful?”

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Quick Thoughts

19 May 2022 • “Trochee Trouble”

I’m still trying to decide how to visually present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores, using what is (technically) the official rhythm of the Church. You can download my latest attempt, for this coming Sunday. Notice the “trochee trouble” as well as the old issue of neumes before the quilisma.

—Jeff Ostrowski
16 May 2022 • Harmonized Chant?

This year’s upcoming Sacred Music Symposium will demonstrate several ways to sing the CREDO at Mass. This is because—for many parishes—to sing a full-length polyphonic CREDO by Victoria or Palestrina is out of the question. Therefore, we show options that are halfway between plainsong and polyphony. You can hear my choir rehearsing a section that sounds like harmonized plainsong.

—Jeff Ostrowski
14 May 2022 • “Pure” Vatican Edition

As readers know, my choir has been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana. That is to say, the official rhythm which—technically—is the only rhythm allowed by the Church. I haven’t figured out how I want the scores to look, so in the meantime we’ve been using temporary scores that look like this. Stay tuned!

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“Today the Church has made a big mistake, turning the clock back 500 years with guitars and popular songs. I don’t like it at all. Gregorian Chant is a vital and important tradition of the Church and to waste this—by having guys mix religious words with profane, Western songs—is hugely grave, hugely grave.”

— Maestro Ennio Morricone (10 Sept 2009)

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “A Canon Choirs Love!”
  • On Mistakes (Part I of II)
  • 19 May 2022 • “Trochee Trouble”
  • “Gregorian Chant Not In Danger Pope Tells French”
  • PDF Download • “O Salutaris” (Modern Setting)

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Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.