Jeff Ostrowski answers a reader’s question with nine (9) statements.
Main Content
“Source and Summit” • What Is That?
Notice how Dom Franquesa (without explanation) stealthily annihilates sacrifice, sin, and the adoration we owe God.
Rorate Caeli + ICEL + Dynamic Equivalence
There’s an old adage: “Once stung, twice shy.”
Confirmed • Fr. David Friel elected Vice-President: “Society for Catholic Liturgy”
Father Friel holds a Doctorate in Liturgical Studies from the Catholic University of America…
PDF Download • New Version of “What Child Is This” (SATB) … as of 18 December 2024
A different version was requested. I was able to complete that task earlier today.
PDF Download • “The First Nowell” in Latin — Simplified Version (2024) for Choir & Organ
If you have items you’d like to learn (such as how to make multi-track rehearsal videos) please email them to us.
PDF • “Music List” for the 3rd Sunday of Advent
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.
Church Keys Old and New
Musical scholars are divide on whether the modes are a useful way to think about music, but I’m convinced they are. In the seventeenth century, musicians created a fruitful and lasting link between the eight modes and eight particular keys called the church keys.
PDF Download • “What Child Is This?” (SATB arr.)
In my view, this one falls within the “Top Ten” list of Christmas carols.
An Organ-Less Advent
“It results in a heavy burden being placed upon musicians to ensure that whatever they do is well-liked by all—lest the faithful complain (seemingly the great worry of many priests).” —Dr. Lucas Tappan
Richard J. Clark Featured in ‘Boston Pilot’ Newspaper: “Our Children & Sacred Music”
“My most important vocation is not that of a musician but as a husband and a father to my four children.” —Richard J. Clark
35 Children Chanting “Sálve Regína” From Memory
“This particular article talked about the Catholic Church in Milwaukee…” —Julie Huebner
Announcement of Easter & the Moveable Feasts • El Anuncio de la Pascua y Fiestas Movibles • 2025
Epiphany Proclamation scores and practice videos in English and Spanish
PDF Download • “Musical Outline” for the Feast of Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception
Rachmaninoff said: “Nine hours? That’s nothing. For a period of my life, I used to practice 17 hours a day.”
“A Peculiar Discrepancy” • Immac. Concep. (8 Dec.)
Who can explain this?
PDF Download • Pristine Scan: Father Mathias’ 1905 Kyriale Organ Accompaniment (186 pages)
Father Mathias served as organist for Strasburg Cathedral, where he founded the “Saint Leo Institute for Church Music” in 1913.
“Promptly, Firmly, & Persistently Repressed.”
The book is called: “Cantica Sacra: Hymns for the children of the Catholic Church.”
Saint John of the Cross • Arrested & Imprisoned By His Own Carmelite Brothers
Many years ago, I was very calmly trying to de-escalate a disagreement I was having with someone close to me…
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant” for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8 December)
What is he talking about? Where can I go to hear these “aesthetically superior” interpretations? Where can they be found?
Bouyer on Liturgical Reform: “More intolerant and fussy than anything we’ve ever known.”
“Perhaps in no other area is there a greater distance between what the Council worked out and what we actually have.” —Professor Louis Bouyer
PDF Download • “Entrance Chant” for this Coming Sunday (Christ the King) — 34th in Ordinary Time
Including three separate points on Dom Combe’s shameful and defamatory statement.
“Imagine You’re Out of Rehearsal Time but Desperately Need a Hymn for Advent…”
“I had such fun recording the vocals for these rehearsal videos.” —Corrinne May
“Reader Feedback” • 19 November 2024
“I’m currently gathering materials for a newly ordained priest…”
High Resolution Scan • “Missale Romanum” (1857)
This rare missal from 1857 contains some musical notes.
PDF Download • “Put Out into the Deep”
“His appointment was somewhat unexpected as he was installed as Bishop of Providence in May of 2023.” — Richard J. Clark
PDF Downloads
PDF Download • “Chart For Each Mode”
If you notice any errors, please let me know!
“Music List” (4th Sunday of Advent, Year C)
Readers have expressed interest in perusing the “music list” I’ve prepared for this coming Sunday.
“Entrance Chant” • 4th Sunday of Advent
Like so many Advent antiphons, this one is in the first mode and comes from the prophet Isaiah.
Communion (4th Sunday of Advent)
It certainly seems like most of the Advent antiphons come from the book of Isaiah…
PDF Download • “Order of Music” (Funerals)
I have made some changes to my “musical list” for funerals.
“Entrance Chant” • 3rd Sunday of Advent
This Introit is in the first mode.