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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

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt

Jeff Ostrowski · April 18, 2025

(2025) • “Vexilla Regis” + “Ubi Caritas”

But they said: “Lord, behold here are two swords.” And He said to them: “It is enough.” —Luke 22:38

Jeff Ostrowski · March 28, 2023

Three (3) Tricks Every Choir Director Should Learn

Conscientious choirmasters know it’s crucial to get “as much bang for your buck” as possible.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 23, 2023

Four (4) Shimmery Hymns for Lent & Passiontide

“In nothing are English Catholics so poor as in vernacular hymns. The real badness of most of our popular hymns (endeared, unfortunately, to the people by association) surpasses anything that could otherwise be imagined.” —Father Fortescue

Jeff Ostrowski · February 25, 2023

Eleven (11) Rare Lenten Hymns You’ve Not Sung!

“Our hymnbooks know nothing of such a treasure as this, and give us pages of poor sentiment in doggerel lines by some tenth-rate modern versifier.” —Father Fortescue

Corrinne May · January 20, 2023

“On Eagles’ Wings?” • I Found Something Better!

The songs and hymns were pleasantly familiar … to the point where after twelve years I could play by heart every song in the ‘Breaking Bread’ hymnal.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 29, 2022

Heavy Crosses Borne by Choirmasters

In my 25 years as a choirmaster, I’ve witnessed hypocrisy and mistreatment that would make your head spin.

Jeff Ostrowski · April 5, 2022

Free Organ Accompaniment • “Vexilla Regis”

During Passiontide, the hymn at Vespers is the mighty Vexilla Regis Prodeunt of Bishop Venantius Fortunatus. In 2015, I composed an organ accompaniment for this hymn with each verse written out. This comes in pretty handy on occasions when the organist must “lead the hymn from the organ bench.” Please feel free to download my […]

Jeff Ostrowski · February 14, 2015

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt (Gregorian Hymn)

Oh, what a difference a thousand years makes…

Jeff Ostrowski · February 3, 2015

Palestrina “O Crux Ave” • Practice Videos

I’ve been yearning to sing this piece since 2002.

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    2-Voice Arrangement for Lent
    Those seeking a two-voice arrangement for LENT and PASSIONTIDE should click here and scroll down. It’s based on number 775 in the Brébeuf Hymnal, with an enchanting melody written by Kevin Allen (the legendary American composer of sacred music). That text—“Pendens In Crucis Cornibus”—is often used for the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows. That link is important because, in addition to the musical score, it provides free rehearsal videos for each individual voice: something volunteer choirs appreciate!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Sanctus VIII” • Organ Accompaniment
    A few days ago, I composed this organ harmonization for SANCTUS VIII. This Mass is traditionally called Missa de ángelis or “Mass of the angels.” In French, it is Messe de Anges. You can evaluate my attempt to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ (click here) while singing the melody. My parish is currently singing this setting.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Music List • (5th Sund. Ordinary Time)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday, 8 February 2026, which is the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. You will probably notice it isn’t as ‘complete’ or ‘spiffy’ as usual, owing to some difficulties which took place this week.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    “Reminder” — Month of Febr. (2026)
    On a daily basis, I speak to people who don’t realize we publish a free newsletter (although they’ve followed our blog for years). We have no endowment, no major donors, no savings, and refuse to run annoying ads. As a result, our mailing list is crucial to our survival. It couldn’t be easier to subscribe! Just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Chart • “Plainsong Rhythm”
    I will go to my grave without understanding the lack of curiosity so many people have about the rhythmic modifications made by Dom André Mocquereau. For example, how can someone examine this single sheet comparison chart and at a minimum not be curious about the differences? Dom Mocquereau basically creates a LONG-SHORT LONG-SHORT rhythmic pattern—in spite of enormous and overwhelming manuscript evidence to the contrary. That’s why some scholars referred to his method as “Neo-Mensuralist” or “Neo-Mensuralism.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF • “O Come All Ye Faithful” (Simplified)
    I admire the harmonization of “Adeste Fideles” by David Willcocks (d. 2015), who served as director of the Royal College of Music (London, England). In 2025, I was challenged to create a simplified arrangement for organists incapable of playing the authentic version at tempo. The result was this simplified keyboard arrangement (PDF download) based on the David Willcocks version of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Feel free to play through it and let me know what you think.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Amid all these old liturgical books, I find that I am happy and at ease; I feel at home.

— Dom André Mocquereau (1884)

Recent Posts

  • Fulton J. Sheen • “24-Hour Catechism”
  • 2-Voice Arrangement for Lent
  • Pope Paul VI • “Sacrificium Laudis” (15 Aug 1966)
  • “Sanctus VIII” • Organ Accompaniment
  • PDF Download • Sanctus VIII Organ Accompaniment (“Mass of the Angels”)

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