Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for August 2016

Richard J. Clark · August 19, 2016

New Resource from the Archdiocese of Boston for First Communion and Confirmation

The most important element of this document is not the list of hymns and chants, but the vital coupling of faith formation and sacred music.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 18, 2016

“Polyphony For Dummies”

A new video presentation with excellent audio samples.

Dr. Lucas Tappan · August 16, 2016

Strive for Excellence

Let’s face facts—the English cathedral system of forming church musicians works.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 16, 2016

Breathtaking Images from Poland

A liturgical workshop took place in Licheń, Poland from 4-11 August 2016.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 15, 2016

Hymn for St. Thomas More & St. John Fisher

Fascinating verses by Msgr. Ronald Knox

Cynthia Ostrowski · August 15, 2016

Catholic Bulletin Art • Installment #71

If you’re confused about what’s happening, search google for “Dormition of Mary.”

Fr. David Friel · August 14, 2016

World Youth Day Krakow: Music Recordings

Seventeen (17) Tracks Now Available on iTunes

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2016

Musical Resources • 14th Sunday after Pentecost

“May Thy Sacraments, O Lord, ever purify and fortify us…”

Richard J. Clark · August 12, 2016

The Difficulty of Cultivating a Prayerful Focus for Musicians

Quiet prayer for church musicians is very difficult to come by. Here are nine things one may find helpful.

Jeff Ostrowski · August 12, 2016

Major Media Outlet Re: “Ad Orientem”

Corpus Christi Watershed is mentioned and cited!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 11, 2016

Hymn Tunes • What’s Up With Naming Them?

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

Jeff Ostrowski · August 10, 2016

Worst Typo Of All Time?

This one got by the editor’s eye!

Jeff Ostrowski · August 9, 2016

Too Many Sopranos? Try This Canon!

A compositional miracle by Rev’d Tomás Luis de Victoria (d. 1611).

Jeff Ostrowski · August 8, 2016

Being Careful With Hymns

Each individual “ear” must decide what is acceptable.

Fr. David Friel · August 7, 2016

A Different Kind of World Youth Day

Sacred Music Helped to Transform Tauron Arena Kraków into a House of Prayer

New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”

My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?

It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed