Views from the Choir Loft

Karl Weinmann 1873-1929

Jeff Ostrowski · November 28, 2022

Photographs • Weinmann “Graduale” on 5 Lines!

They were not allowed to remove their boots, so thousands had their feet amputated (as the frostbite often turned into gangrene).

Jeff Ostrowski · November 25, 2022

PDF Download • Traditional Notation Gradual-Book (692 Pages) on Five Lines!

This book makes it easy for singers who only know Treble Clef.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 11, 2022

PDF Download • 1915 “Gregorian Vesperale” … Printed On Five Lines! (651 Pages)

Father Weinmann placed plainsong on five (5) lines, yet still used Gregorian notation—including chord symbols!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 16, 2019

How Do You Mark Starting Pitches?

Some might ask: “Why not just write the name of the note?”

Jeff Ostrowski · May 2, 2019

PDF Download • Complete Kyriale on Modern Staves!

If you can read treble clef, you can read this edition … a brilliant idea!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 25, 2015

A Most Astounding “Graduale” From 1909 … On Modern Staves!

University professors don’t sit around wondering whether they should teach the music of Tomás Luis de Victoria or Marty Haugen.

“Glory To God” • (For Choir + Congregation)

I wish to thank everyone for the nice comments I received vis-à-vis my Glory To God setting for Choir & Congregation. A gentleman with a musical doctorate from Indiana University wrote: “Love this setting so much. And I will pray, as you asked, for your return to composition more fully. You are very very good.” A female choir director wrote: “I love your harmonizations, your musicality, and the wonderful interplay you have with dissonance and consonance in your music. So fun to listen to, and great for intellect, heart, and soul!” A young woman from California wrote: “Thank you for releasing your new Glory To God in honor of Saint Noel Chabanel. I'm enjoying reading through the various parts and listening to your recordings.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

William Byrd • “Mass for Five Voices”

Our volunteer choir is learning the “Sanctus” from William Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices. You can hear a short excerpt (recorded last Sunday) but please ignore the sound of babies crying: Mp3 recording. We still have work to do—but we’re on the right track. Once we have some of the tuning issues fixed, I desire to use it as an example proving volunteers can sing complicated polyphony.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Baptism” • A Unique Hymn

Father Christopher Phillips is the founding Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church. One of his hymns is unique and (in my humble opinion) quite beautiful. His hymn is basically a prayer to the Holy Trinity but also speaks of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It would be an ideal Communion hymn on Trinity Sunday or the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. You can hear live recording from last Sunday by clicking here.

—Jeff Ostrowski