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Corpus Christi Watershed

We’re a 501(c)3 public charity established in 2006. We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and run no advertisements. We exist solely by the generosity of small donors.

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Views from the Choir Loft

Francisco Guerrero Composer

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 · May 23, 2021

“Part 1 of 3” • Guerrero Kyrie for Our Lady

Now that choirs are beginning to come back…

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Jeff Ostrowski · May 14, 2021

“Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 2 of 3

What is the best way to get your choir singing when they first return? Here are some tips…

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Jeff Ostrowski · August 6, 2020

Allowed or Forbidden? • Parallel Fourths in Renaissance Polyphony

Article Subtitle: “Brave schola director posts live recording from rehearsal.”

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Jeff Ostrowski · April 30, 2020

Can Sacred Music Be Saved? • (How exactly?)

I know of no greater composition than this one—and it was written by a devout Catholic priest.

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Jeff Ostrowski · April 22, 2016

Shocking Parallels By Guerrero

I’ve seen similar passages by Orlando Lassus.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 20, 2016

Benedictus & Hosanna • “Missa Beata Mater”

My friend was in charge of picking music for papal Masses under Pope St. John Paul II.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 12, 2016

PDF Download • Spanish Cathedral Music (1961)

“On Holy Saturday in 1545, while the pope and several cardinals were present, two of the oldest choir members flew at each other during the blessing of the new oils…”

Jeff Ostrowski · March 1, 2016

| Part 1 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

Can Watershed survive? (Part 1)

Jeff Ostrowski · February 23, 2016

Rehearsal Videos • A Resplendent “Agnus Dei” You’ve Never Heard

Can you hear the Canon between Soprano & Tenor?

Jeff Ostrowski · February 3, 2016

Exclusive Interview • Mr. Nancho Alvarez

“I must point out that the content of my site is totally free, granting open access to everyone.” —Nancho Alvarez

Jeff Ostrowski · February 2, 2016

Ridiculously Awesome Sanctus You’ve Never Heard

We are not allowed to sing Tropes in the Extraordinary Form, so I added that text in italics.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 19, 2016

| Part 3 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

Only one word describes Guerrero’s musical genius: fearsome.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 5, 2016

| Part 2 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

By the mighty Francisco Guerrero!

Jeff Ostrowski · December 30, 2015

Which Mass Goes With Which Season?

Unfortunately, many ignore the words of Abbot Pothier, included at the front of the Vatican Edition.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Bugnini’s Statement (6 November 1966)
    With each passing day, more is revealed about how the enemies of the liturgy accomplished their goals. For instance, Hannibal Bugnini deeply resented the way Vatican II said Gregorian Chant “must be given first place in liturgical services.” On 6 November 1966, his cadre wrote a letter attempting to justify the elimination of Gregorian Chant with this brazen statement: “What really gives a Mass its tone is not so much the songs as it is the prayers and readings.” Bugnini’s cadre then attacked the very heart of Gregorian Chant (viz. the Proprium Missae), bemoaning how the Proprium Missae “is completely new each Sunday and feast day.” There is much more to be said about this topic. Stay tuned.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Luis Martínez Must Go!
    Sevilla Cathedral (entry dated 13 December 1564): The chapter orders Luis Martínez, a cathedral chaplain, to stay away from the choirbook-stand when the rest of the singers gather around it to sing polyphony—the reason being that “he throws the others out of tune.” [Excerpt from “The Life of Father Francisco Guerrero.”]
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Urgent! • We Desperately Need Funds!
    A few days ago, the president of Corpus Christi Watershed posted this urgent appeal for funds. Please help us make sure we’re never forced to place our content behind a paywall. We feel it’s crucial that 100% of our content remains free to everyone. We’re a tiny 501(c)3 public charity, entirely dependent upon the generosity of small donors. We have no endowment and no major donors. We run no advertisements and have no savings. We beg you to consider donating $4.00 per month. Thank you!
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Antiphons Don’t Match?
    A reader wants to know why the Entrance and Communion antiphons in certain publications deviate from what’s prescribed by the GRADUALE ROMANUM published after Vatican II. Click here to read our answer. The short answer is: the Adalbert Propers were never intended to be sung. They were intended for private Masses only (or Masses without music). The “Graduale Parvum,” published by the John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music in 2023, mostly uses the Adalbert Propers—but sometimes uses the GRADUALE text: e.g. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“The idea that the Roman basilica is the ideal design for a Christian church building because it made it possible for the priest and the people to face one another is complete nonsense. That would have been the last thing that the early Christians had in mind.”

— Father Louis Bouyer

Recent Posts

  • Now Available! • “Hymns of Cardinal Newman: Kevin Allen’s Legendary Choral Settings”
  • Bugnini’s Statement (6 November 1966)
  • (Rehearsal Clips) • Sacred Music Symposium 2025
  • Hidden Gem: Ascendit Deus (Dalitz)
  • PDF Download • Soprano Descant — “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above”

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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.

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