Views from the Choir Loft

Holy Week

CDW Guidelines for Holy Week 2020

Fr. David Friel · March 20, 2020

The Congregation has released a short document with pertinent guidance.

Motet for Three Voices: “O Crux Ave” 1

Fr. David Friel · January 22, 2017

This piece is ideal for use as a motet during the veneration of the Holy Cross at the Good Friday liturgy.

Parish Lenten Programs • 15 Suggestions

Fr. David Friel · March 6, 2016

Simply adhering to the liturgical traditions of the Church would be a wonderful Lenten program for every parish.

Motet for Three Voices: “O Crux Ave”

Fr. David Friel · January 24, 2016

This piece is ideal for use as a motet during the veneration of the Holy Cross at the Good Friday liturgy.

How did your Holy Week go?

Veronica Brandt · April 11, 2015

Singing for the Sacred Triduum and Easter ceremonies is an awesome privilege. Coming out the other side can be very sweet indeed, even when things didn’t always go quite as planned.

Sacred Music Symposium • “What We Avoid”

I wish we had to time to discuss artwork at the Sacred Music Symposium, but there’s just not enough time. At this year’s conference in June, we will sing an absolutely incredible Magnificat setting by Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599). If you examine the part books, you will notice a marvelous aesthetic desire to avoid the same capital letter—for the sake of beauty. Do you see how the Part Books find a way to avoid repeating the Capital G twice, by using the word “Superius” (which is roughly analogous to “Soprano”)? Breathtaking!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Abraham” • Guerrero Imitates His Teacher

Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599) studied music with Father Cristóbal de Morales circa 1545. He taught himself the organ. On 3 April 1542 he was engaged as a contralto by Seville Cathedral at an annual salary of 12,000 maravedís. He remained there until 1546, when, at the age of only 17, he was invited—on the recommendation of Father Morales—to become mæstro de capilla of Jaén Cathedral. He was entrusted with the boarding, lodging, and instruction of the six choirboys; but he neglected this duty and was sentenced to be dismissed on 30 August 1548. However, he was absolved and reinstated on 3 November. I think you can see (perhaps) a little homage to his teacher on the word “Abraham.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Too much music!

Choosing music for the Sacred Music Symposium requires careful consideration. We make sure (always) to have great variety. Because the schedule is so full, there’s never sufficient time to discuss the music fully—indeed, we could easily do a month-long seminar on each piece! For example, last year Dr. Calabrese conducted a setting of the Magnificat by Father Guerrero (d. 1599). It is one of the most magnificent (pardon the pun) pieces ever written, and I wish I had time to point out the brilliant way he syncopates the word “dispersit,” which means “He has scattered” or “He has dispersed.” Superb!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“I vividly remember going to church with him in Bournemouth. He was a devout Roman Catholic and it was soon after the Church had changed the liturgy (from Latin to English). My grandfather obviously didn’t agree with this and made all the responses very loudly in Latin while the rest of the congregation answered in English. I found the whole experience quite excruciating, but my grandfather was oblivious. He simply had to do what he believed to be right.”

— Simon Tolkien (2003)