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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

Common Hymn Melodies

Jeff Ostrowski · May 4, 2023

Six (6) Pernicious Hymn Pairings

The current situation is heartbreaking.

Jeff Ostrowski · May 2, 2023

Should Chant Be Accompanied On The Organ?

As late as 1924, Dom Mocquereau mentioned Dom Desrocquettes “whose beautiful and discreet accompaniments I hear every day at Solesmes.”

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Jeff Ostrowski · March 28, 2023

Three (3) Tricks Every Choir Director Should Learn

Conscientious choirmasters know it’s crucial to get “as much bang for your buck” as possible.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 20, 2022

Choirmasters • “How To Avoid Getting Fired”

Anyone who’s ever stood in front of a choir knows the choirmaster’s vocation is not an easy one.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 13, 2022

PDF Download • “Advent Eucharistic Hymn”

I don’t know a more powerful exposition on the Holy Eucharist than this striking hymn by Archbishop Pecham!

Jeff Ostrowski · February 26, 2022

“Common” Hymn Tunes? • Another Example

The first text is for the “pre-Lent” season…

Jeff Ostrowski · October 13, 2021

Seven Solutions • “Getting Catholics Singing Again”

At the conservatory, we’re surrounded by hundreds of professional musicians; but stepping into a Catholic parish the situation is quite different.

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Jeff Ostrowski · October 5, 2021

Two Hymns Loved By Everyone … Except Purists!

Fulton J. Sheen: “In those days there were no scandal columns, but there were scandalmongers.”

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Jeff Ostrowski · October 1, 2021

Brave Schola Director Posts Live Recording

This is a beautiful melody worth learning, worth singing, and worthy of the temple.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 24, 2021

Church Musicians: The Revolution Starts Today!

Do what’s right, say your prayers, offer each day to Jesus Christ, and hold your head high!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 7, 2021

Hymn For The Transfiguration (6 August) • “Recorded During Choir Rehearsal”

An English translation by Robert Campbell of Skerrington (d. 1868), who was a convert to the Catholic Faith.

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Jeff Ostrowski · August 5, 2021

“Talking To Dead Composers” • Part 2

Including a live recording (without organ) of “Alleluia, Sing To Jesus” by a volunteer choir.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 4, 2021

It Finally Happened.

Father Valentine used to say: “The cemeteries are full of people who thought they were indispensable.”

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Jeff Ostrowski · February 6, 2020

PDF Download • “What Makes A Good Hymn?”

Dr. Terry says: “The melody must be clearly defined, free from triviality and trite clichés, avoiding harmonies that are sugary or sensuous.”

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Jeff Ostrowski · July 20, 2019

Brébeuf Hymn #156 • “Christe Redemptor”

The Soprano line was sung by a young lady in the 8th grade—and she did very well.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

It is unworthy that the stone holds Him, Who encloses everything in His hand, Locked in by the forbidding rock. (“Indígnum est cujus claudúntur cuncta pugíllo | Ut tegat inclúsum rupe vetánte lapis.”)

— SALVE FESTA DIES (Eastertide)

Recent Posts

  • New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
  • How do you pronounce this word in Latin?
  • Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
  • Children’s Repertoire: “3 Recommendations”
  • PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

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