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Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

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Views from the Choir Loft

Sheet Music

Keven Smith · July 27, 2020

Ubi Caritas Goes Viral: My Thoughts

Have you seen the viral video of four men singing Ubi Caritas in a stairwell? Here are some thoughts on this phenomenon.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Fr. David Friel · June 4, 2017

Thoughts on Benedict

St. Benedict, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and “Ars Celebrandi”

Fr. David Friel · April 30, 2017

Masterful “Salve Regina” by 17th-Century Portuguese Composer

This is the sort of setting that could only have derived from faith and grown out of the experience of praying these words repeatedly and fervently.

Fr. David Friel · January 30, 2017

In Defense of the Organ Postlude

Newly-published reflections from Professor Kwasniewski.

Fr. David Friel · January 30, 2017

In Defense of the Organ Postlude 1

Newly-published reflections from Professor Kwasniewski.

Fr. David Friel · January 22, 2017

Motet for Three Voices: “O Crux Ave” 1

This piece is ideal for use as a motet during the veneration of the Holy Cross at the Good Friday liturgy.

Fr. David Friel · October 27, 2016

New Sacred Music Magazine — “Altare Dei”

Announcing the first issue of a brand new publication focusing on liturgy and sacred music.

Fr. David Friel · January 24, 2016

Motet for Three Voices: “O Crux Ave”

This piece is ideal for use as a motet during the veneration of the Holy Cross at the Good Friday liturgy.

Veronica Brandt · February 7, 2015

Motets and Midi practice tracks

The search for practice tracks for Jesu Rex Admirabilis yielded a treasure trove of choir resources.

Veronica Brandt · January 3, 2015

Easy Organ Hymns for Catholics

There is a built in tendency for nervous musicians to rush things – I think as your heart beats faster, your perception of time is dilated. As you build more confidence your sense of timing improves too.

Fr. David Friel · August 10, 2014

Important Resources for Liturgical Reform (3 of 7)

Public Domain Scores & Published Resources

Veronica Brandt · January 18, 2014

Introducing polyphony in a round about way

Canons are a handy way to introduce singing in harmony. Here are some picks from the Choral Public Domain Library.

Veronica Brandt · September 28, 2013

Holy Michael Archangel

Not one, but two hymns that the omniscient Google didn’t know about, in honour of St Michael the Archangel, with sheet music.

Veronica Brandt · August 17, 2013

A hymn for St Mary of the Cross

A beautiful hymn from Rev Fr Popplewell FSSP from Canberra, Australia.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

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

Random Quote

Friedman met Egon Wellesz in Altaussee on one of the walks, and Egon started to speak about atonal music—and Ignaz replied: “No, no, no. Melody for me.”

— From the Life of Ignazy Friedman

Recent Posts

  • “I Decided to Get a Plane Ticket and Fly 8,700 Miles From Singapore to Take Part.”
  • Alabama Assessment!
  • “How Has Nobody Done This Before?” • Vol. 1
  • “Exceeded Every Expectation!” • Mr. O’Brien’s Review
  • “81 Photos” • Sacred Music Symposium 2022

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