The Names Of Hymn Tunes

Jeff Ostrowski · May 11, 2020

A B C D F etc. — An Ancient “Alphabetical” Hymn

This hymn by Caelius Sedulius (Christian Poet from the 5th century) has been translated into English by a Catholic priest.

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Jeff Ostrowski · January 28, 2019

When Hymn Names Don’t Match

I submit to you that calling the same tune by multiple names in the same hymnal is unacceptable.

Jeff Ostrowski · December 18, 2018

The Most Popular Hymn Tunes? • A List

I could not have been more thrilled to see this list—those are exactly the tunes I love!

Jeff Ostrowski · February 13, 2018

Hymn Tunes That Are Actually The Same

Look carefully at this image…

Jeff Ostrowski · August 11, 2016

Hymn Tunes • What’s Up With Naming Them?

Until recently, most Catholic hymnals didn’t have a metrical index!

“Trochee Trouble” • Say What?

We have posted many articles discussing the French Vs. German way of interpreting syllabic plainsong—which some refer to as “Trochee Trouble.” Needless to say, we encourage everyone to carefully read all those articles. But some folks still don’t understand what “Trochee Trouble” is all about. Therefore, I have created this 1-Page Sheet that explains it as clearly as possible.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Progress Made!” • 10-Nov-2022

My volunteer choir has felt the repercussions of this year’s (particularly severe) flu season. Nevertheless, I believe in always—always—giving one’s best as a choir director, even when many singers are absent. You can hear by this brief recording that our singers are starting to blend very nicely. And you can download that choral “warm-up” exercise if you click here.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Mark Your Calendars!

Have you marked your calendar for Sacred Music Symposium 2023? The dates were recently revealed. You don’t want to miss this! This annual event has gained a reputation as the church music conference par excellence vis-à-vis Catholic musicians “in the trenches.”

—Jeff Ostrowski