Views from the Choir Loft

Archives for June 2019

Dr. Lucas Tappan · June 25, 2019

In Search of the Deeper Meaning

I have heard it said that magic shows up at every concert but usually goes home disappointed.

Veronica Moreno · June 21, 2019

When “Textbooks” Don’t Cut It

This routine has taken years to establish.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 19, 2019

Symposium Booklets Have Arrived!

Anyone can write articles saying: “Church music must improve”—but actually getting one’s hands dirty? That’s different…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · June 18, 2019

Fr. Finn and the Catholic Choral Tradition in America

Nevertheless, we have had, and quite frankly still have, a number of fine choirs, conductors and organists that I would place on par and even above our European brethren.

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 17, 2019

Professional Photographs • Saint Isaac Jogues Missal

This pew Lectionary & Missal is changing the way Catholics experience the Ordinary Form.

Fr. David Friel · June 16, 2019

Solemn Novena for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

This year’s preacher will be Fr. James Gordon, F.S.S.P.

Veronica Moreno · June 14, 2019

Homeschooling (And Sacred Music) Snuck Up On Us

In this way, we keep the faith alive at the kitchen table and at the altar.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 12, 2019

PDF Download • Symposium Booklet (159 pages)

…probably unlike any musical booklet you’ve come across!

Jeff Ostrowski · June 11, 2019

Secrets Revealed

…perhaps more slowly than one would prefer, but finally the secret is beginning to leak!

Jeff Ostrowski · June 10, 2019

PDF Download • Vespers Organ Accompaniments

Do you understand why some of the harmonies are blank?

Fr. David Friel · June 9, 2019

The Magnificat Institute of Sacred Music

A new undertaking of composer Paul Jernberg

Veronica Brandt · June 8, 2019

Shortcuts with GrandOrgue

Setting up keyboard shortcuts to setting the stops on a virtual pipe organ using the free software GrandOrgue.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 7, 2019

Where Did “Do-Re-Mi” Come From?

A concise and clear explanation from a 1957 book…

Andrew Leung · June 6, 2019

Photos • 1985 Ordination in China

Old photos of an ordination in Shanghai in 1985.

Jeff Ostrowski · June 4, 2019

PDF Download • “Magnificat” + Rehearsal Videos!

“You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. I know of no greater piece than this.” —Jeff Ostrowski

Epiphany Hymn • “New 2-Voice Arrangement”

The Von Trapp Family Singers loved a melody that was featured heavily (perhaps even “too heavily”) in the Brébeuf Hymnal. It goes by many names, including ALTONA, VOM HIMMEL HOCH, and ERFURT. If you only have one man and one woman singing, you will want to download this arrangement for two voices. It really is a marvelous tune—and it’s especially fitting during the season of Christmas and Epiphany.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Simplified Accompaniment (Epiphany Hymn)

About a month ago, I created a simplified keyboard accompaniment for “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”—the famous ADVENT hymn—using a melody called CROSS OF JESUS. It was soon downloaded more than 1,000 times. As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for the belovèd Epiphany hymn “Bethlehem! Of noblest cities” (O Sola Magnarum Urbium) by clicking on this link (PDF file). Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult, which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Psalm Tone Challenge!

Many readers know that Tone 1a3 is the most difficult PSALM TONE in the 1962 books (and isn’t called for very often). But what about very short verses—which is the absolute most concise you know? The shortest PSALM TONE segment I know would be the fourth verse (PDF) from Psalm 44, used during Matins at Christmas. It’s literally one word long. If you know a more minuscule one, please email me!

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “In Paradisum” in English

We always sing the IN PARADISUM in Latin, as printed on this PDF score. I have an appallingly bad memory (meaning I’d be a horrible witness in court). In any event, it’s been brought to my attention that 15 years ago I created this organ accompaniment for the famous and beautiful ‘IN PARADISUM’ Gregorian chant sung in English according to ‘MR3’ (Roman Missal, Third Edition). If anyone desires such a thing, feel free to download and print. Looking back, I wish I’d brought the TENOR and BASS voices into a unison (on B-Natural) for the word “welcome” on the second line.

—Jeff Ostrowski

What does this mean? “Pre-Urbanite”

Something informed critics have frequently praised vis-à-vis the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal is its careful treatment of the ancient hymns vs. the “Urbanite” hymns. This topic I had believed to be fairly well understood—but I was wrong. The reason I thought people knew about it is simple; in the EDITIO VATICANA 1908 Graduale Romanum (as well as the 1913 Liber Antiphonarius) both versions are provided, right next to each other. You can see what I mean by examining this PDF file from the Roman Gradual of 1908. Most people still don’t understand that the Urbanite versions were never adopted by any priests or monks who sang the Divine Office each day. Switching would have required a massive amount of effort and money, because all the books would need to be changed.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Santo Santo Santo”

Those searching for a dignified, brief, simple, bright setting of SANCTUS in Spanish (“Santo Santo Santo”) are invited to download this Setting in honor of Saint John Brébeuf (organist & vocalist). I wonder if there would be any interest in me recording a rehearsal video for this piece.

—Jeff Ostrowski