Views from the Choir Loft

Missal Antiphons Dont Match Roman Gradual

Composition Contest

Fr. David Friel · September 11, 2016

Submissions Sought by the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians

A Most Devastating Change By Pope Paul VI

Jeff Ostrowski · July 28, 2015

“We strongly resent the implication that we and our children are not sufficiently intelligent to understand the simple Latin of the Mass…” —Manifesto of the Catholic Laity (1943)

“Proper Of The Mass” (Ignatius Press) • Part 7 of 7

Jeff Ostrowski · April 22, 2015

Let’s take a stroll down Memory Lane, shall we?

Antiphons in the Roman Gradual don’t match the Third Edition of the Roman Missal?

Jeff Ostrowski · June 12, 2014

“Recent research … has made it clear that the antiphons of the Order of Mass were never intended to be sung.” — Bishop Donald Trautman (2007)

The Mystery of Missal vs. Gradual has been solved!

Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2014

Are there concrete reasons to prefer the ancient texts from the Roman Gradual? Short answer: Yes!

“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