Views from the Choir Loft

Jean de Brebeuf Hymnal

HYMN • “Vexilla Regis” (SATB setting in English)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 27, 2020

Father Adrian Fortescue (d. 1923) called this “perhaps the greatest of all hymns.”

PDF Download • “Ad Regias Agni Dapes” (Organ Accompaniment)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 24, 2020

I composed this organ accompaniment yesterday, looking ahead towards Eastertide.

A Hymn We’re Singing This Lent—In English!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 11, 2020

Have you heard of the “People’s Mass Book,” published by Omer Westendorf in 1964?

PDF Download • “Hymnal of Christian Unity” (1964)

Jeff Ostrowski · February 26, 2020

There’s something comforting about the Brébeuf hymnal translations, since they were created by Catholic priests.

A Phenomenal Epiphany Hymn!

Jeff Ostrowski · January 14, 2020

I wish Epiphany lasted forever—the hymns are rich with theology!

“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

“Sharing Is Caring”

I would like to share a message from a highly respected scholar. (His articles appear in distinguished journals such as Études grégoriennes and Oxford’s Early Music.) He wrote as follows:

The Brébeuf Hymnal is very tastefully done. Your team has exquisite literary and musical taste. I see from my copy of the hymnal that you also set Ex more docti to “Rockingham” (one of my favorite melodies for “When I survey the wondrous cross”). I especially appreciate the background information at the bottom of the page. When I played at the Lutheran church, I would always have a little note about the music, sometimes about a hymn, if the “Hymnal Companion” offered something of interest. The church we attend has battered Worship II hymnals (one per pew), but almost nobody seems to want to sing. I congratulate you on the staggering amount of work it took to produce the Brébeuf hymnal: excellent contents and production.

—Jeff Ostrowski