Pope Urban VIII

Charles Weaver · October 24, 2021

PDF Download • Commemorating Dr. Fayrfax

A massively underrated composer died 500 years ago today.

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Jeff Ostrowski · May 25, 2021

“Veni Creator Spiritus” + Organ Accompaniment • with English Translation by Fr. Fortescue

Did you realize there are two versions of this famous hymn?

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Jeff Ostrowski · July 5, 2020

Two remarkable (radical) liturgical realities … which few realize!

It’s interesting to compare the literal translations in the Brébeuf Hymnal to those done by Solesmes Abbey during the 1950s.

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Jeff Ostrowski · February 23, 2015

Pope Francis Condemned The Reform Of The Reform? Not Quite…

“Devout people are the ones who will be most disturbed by the new liturgy.” —Pope Paul VI (11/26/1969)

Alabama Assessment!

We received this evaluation of Symposium 2022 from an Alabama participant:

“Oh, how the Symposium echoed the words of Cardinal Merry Del Val: …choosing only what is most conformed to Thy glory, which is my final aim. In one short and fast paced week, the faculty and attendees showed me the hand of God and our Lady working in our lives. The wide range of education—from Gregorian Chant, jazz modes in organ improvisation, to ‘staying sane’ while leading a choir—were certainly first-class knowledge from the best teachers of the art. However, the most powerful lesson was learning how to pray as a choir. The sacrifice of putting songs together, taking time to learn the sacred text, meditating on the church teaching through the chants, and gaining the virtues required to persevere in these duties were not only qualities of a choir but of a saint. The sanctification of the lives of the attendees was a beautiful outcome of this event … and that in itself is worth more than a beautifully-sung Solesmes style chant!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski