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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

organ

Keven Smith · October 25, 2023

Organ Improviser in the Spotlight: Wayne Warren

Here’s what you can learn from this Florida-based artist.

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Keven Smith · July 15, 2023

Finding Realistic Inspiration for Organ Improvisation

Here’s where to find improvisation recordings you can actually emulate.

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Keven Smith · August 2, 2022

Need Easy Organ Pieces? Try This Little-Known Composer

Add these fuguettes and trios to your repertoire with minimal practice time.

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Keven Smith · June 28, 2021

Organ Improvisation: To Record, or Not to Record?

If you missed it, you can hear my iPhone recording on YouTube. But will it be quite the same?

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Keven Smith · May 31, 2021

Charles Tournemire: An Organist’s Best Friend

Tournemire’s L’Orgue Mystique is an indispensable resource—especially for organists who are feeling “stuck” in their improvisation.

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Keven Smith · March 9, 2021

The Anatomy of an Organ Improvisation

Here are some audio samples from recent Masses, along with explanations of what I was thinking for each improvisation.

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Keven Smith · March 1, 2021

Three Ways to Improvise at the Organ

Don’t just play the organ. Pray the organ.

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Keven Smith · February 23, 2021

Four Reasons to Improvise at the Organ

If an ex-clarinetist can do it, you can do it—and the benefits far outweigh the effort involved.

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Keven Smith · February 16, 2021

PDF • “Spiritual Mass Plan for Church Organists”

Some guidance on how to stay recollected at a low Mass while you’re also playing organ.

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Keven Smith · July 7, 2020

Unslumping Yourself with the King of Instruments

On those days when you can’t quite put your heart into singing, improvising at the organ can be comforting and rewarding.

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Veronica Brandt · December 1, 2018

PDF Download • “Easy Organ Interludes” (229 pages)

Giovanni Battista Fasolo published an enormous book of organ interludes without pedals • Pierre Gouin typed them up, bringing you this clear window into renaissance liturgical music for free! • Enjoy this treasure trove of organ music from almost 400 years ago! Plus a few highlights from along the way+

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    PDF • “Music List” (Sunday, 28 December)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph (28 Dec. 2025). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The FAUXBOURDON verses for the Communion Antiphon are particularly gorgeous. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “Music List” (Xmas Midnight Mass)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for Christmas Midnight Mass (“Ad Missam In Nocte”). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is simple, but quite beautiful. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 21 December 2025, which is the 4th Sunday of Advent (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT is the famous “Roráte Coeli” and the fauxbourdon setting of the COMMUNION is exquisite. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are available at the feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”
    One of the things informed critics have frequently praised vis-à-vis the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal has to do with its careful treatment of the ancient hymns vs. the “Urbanite” hymns. This topic I had believed to be fairly well understood—but I was wrong. The reason I thought people knew about it is simple; in the EDITIO VATICANA 1908 Graduale Romanum (as well as the 1913 Liber Antiphonarius) both versions are provided, right next to each other. You can see what I mean by examining this PDF file from the Roman Gradual of 1908. Most people still don’t understand that the Urbanite versions were never adopted by any priests or monks who sang the Divine Office each day. Switching would have required a massive amount of effort and money, because all the books would need to be changed.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”
    Those searching for a dignified, brief, simple, bright setting of SANCTUS in Spanish (“Santo Santo Santo”) are invited to download this Setting in honor of Saint John Brébeuf (organist & vocalist). I wonder if there would be any interest in me recording a rehearsal video for this piece.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Pope Leo XIV on Sacred Music
    On 5 December 2025, Pope Leo XIV made this declaration with regard to liturgical music.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“There’s a world of difference between a thoughtful, wise Catholic and a bitter contrarian. In spite of what is claimed on certain blogs, being addicted to cable news and twitter does not make one an intellectual.”

— Jeff Ostrowski

Recent Posts

  • “O Antiphons” Elevated?
  • PDF • “Music List” (Sunday, 28 December)
  • Should Catholics Sing Protestant Christmas Carols?
  • PDF • “Music List” (Xmas Midnight Mass)
  • What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”

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