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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

Simple Polyphony

Jeff Ostrowski · February 8, 2026

PDF Download • “2-Voice Hymn” (Holy Name)

This arrangement works with a mixed choir (or children singing with men).

Jeff Ostrowski · January 19, 2026

“Holy Name Hymn” (2-Voice Arrangement)

This 2-voice arrangement is free to all.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 1, 2025

PDF Download • Agnus Dei Polyphonic “Choral Extension” (Simple Round by Ravenscroft)

It’s hard to banish that round once it enters your ears!

Jeff Ostrowski · October 29, 2025

“Equal Voices” Choir Pieces

Including a setting of the “Ave Maria” and “Tantum Ergo.”

Corrinne May · October 27, 2025

PDF Downloads • Four (4) Simple Pieces in Harmony for Men’s Choirs

‘Outstanding choral repertoire for men’s voices is more precious than gold.’ —Corrinne May

Jeff Ostrowski · March 17, 2025

“Opportunity of a Lifetime” • Don’t Miss This!

The vast majority of these women had never sung plainsong—but they’ve taken to it like a duck to water.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2025

“Kyrie Setting” we’re doing for Lent

Kyrie VIII with polyphony.

Jeff Ostrowski · January 17, 2025

“2-Voice Piece” • For February 2nd

The hymn traditionally sung on the feast of the Purification.

Jeff Ostrowski · February 28, 2024

PDF Download • “Two-Voice Polyphony For Lent”

Found in a special choral collection by Maria von Trapp.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 30, 2022

PDF Download • “Contemporary Sanctus” (SATB)

This SATB setting by Father Lhoumeau—although contemporary—certainly adheres to the “rule” of Pope Saint John Paul II.

Corpus Christi Watershed · July 26, 2022

Breaking! • Official Release of “Stowe Missal Eucharistic Motets” for 3 voices (Kevin Allen)

These pieces for “SAB” (Soprano, Alto, Bass) were commissioned by our organization for the National Eucharistic Revival.

Andrea Leal · April 6, 2022

PDF Download • “Regina Caeli for 3 Voices”

I never shared this before because pride and perfectionism held me back.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 15, 2021

PDF Download • Carol based on “The First Nowell”

I recorded all the voices, to demonstrate how it sounds…

Jeff Ostrowski · November 12, 2021

“For The Souls In Purgatory” • A Catholic Hymn

The month of November is dedicated to the souls in Purgatory.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

Jeff Ostrowski · September 24, 2021

“Easy Polyphonic Agnus Dei” • Part 3 of 3

The ability of your singers to sight-read music instantly does not guarantee a good performance.

Follow the Discussion on Facebook

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    Buckfast Abbey Weighs In
    Dom John Stéphan was a Benedictine monk of Buckfast Abbey in South Devon, England. On 4 February 1933, he published this interesting letter in THE TABLET. Have you seen the exterior of Buckfast Abbey? It’s beyond gorgeous. I doubt there’s a more arresting Abbey in the entire world. Dom Stéphan’s letter is concerning this momentous collection, which our organization obtained, scanned, and uploaded.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?
    When it comes to singing Responsorial Psalms in Fauxbourdon, what does this sound like in practice? Can such a thing be done successfully with volunteer choirs in real Catholic parishes? Listen to this audio excerpt from Good Friday and see what you think. Our parish volunteer choir did so well this year—and the ceremonies were ‘standing room only’. For the record, that musical score can be downloaded (completely free of charge) from the flourishing feasts website.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (Easter Sunday, 2026)
    Readers have expressed interest in seeing the ORDER OF MUSIC I created for Easter Sunday—a.k.a. “Ad Missam in die Paschae”—which is 5 April 2026. Please feel free to download it as a PDF file if such a thing interests you. The Fauxbourdon for Communion is particularly moving.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
    On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026
    How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • “Ubi Caritas” (SATB)
    I remember singing “Ubi Cáritas” by Maurice Duruflé at the conservatory. I was deeply moved by it. However, some feel Duruflé’s version isn’t suitable for small choirs since it’s written for 6 voices and the bass tessitura is quite low. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover this “Ubi cáritas” (SATB) for smaller choirs by Énemond Moreau, who studied with OSCAR DEPUYDT (d. 1925), an orphan who became a towering figure of Catholic music. Depuydt’s students include: Flor Peeters (d. 1986); Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (d. 1953); Arthur Meulemans (d. 1966); Monsignor Jules Vyverman (d. 1989); and Gustaaf Nees (d. 1965). Rehearsal videos for each individual voice await you at #19705. When I came across the astonishing English translation for “Ubi Cáritas” by Monsignor Ronald Knox—matching the Latin’s meter—I decided to add those lyrics as an option (for churches which have banned Latin). My wife and I made this recording to give you some idea how it sounds.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“The following few hints on the selection of voices may be useful: (1) Reject all boys who speak roughly, or sing coarsely; (2) Choose bright, intelligent-looking boys, provided they have a good ear; they will much more readily respond to the choirmaster’s efforts than boys who possess a voice and nothing more; therefore, (3) Reject dull, sulky, or scatter-brained boys, since it is hard to say which of the three has the most demoralizing effect on his more willing companions.”

— Sir Richard Runciman Terry (1912)

Recent Posts

  • Buckfast Abbey Weighs In
  • PDF Download • “Catholic Hymnal & Service Book” (632 Pages)
  • PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)
  • Gregorian Chant … with Organ Accompaniment?
  • Responsorial Psalm Fauxbourdon?

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