Corpus Christi Watershed

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.”

Views from the Choir Loft

Jeff Ostrowski • Article Archive

A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He completed studies in Education and Musicology at the graduate level. Having worked as a church musician in Los Angeles for ten years, in 2024 he accepted a position as choirmaster for Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and children. —Read full biography (with photographs).

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Singing in the Papal Choir during the 16th century…

“Juan Sánchez, first admitted in June, 1529, was the most flamboyant member of the generally hot-tempered Spanish section of the choir. In January, 1540, not wishing to sing the part allotted him by the director, he hit him “in the presence of the Sacrament,” thus creating a “very great scandal.” He was imprisoned, but the […]

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Excerpt (November, 1545) for Choir Members at the Vatican

There were about 32 singers: “A singer need not be in holy orders but must be a man of honor and of good repute. When a new member is proposed, his character shall first be examined, and then he shall be brought to a musical examination conducted by the choir members themselves. The first requisite […]

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Pope Pius X had been a choirmaster!

During his final year of theological studies at the seminary, Pope Pius X served as choirmaster to the seminarians! While serving as bishop of Mantua, he founded a Schola Cantorum and personally taught courses in sacred music and Cantus Gregorianus. Fascinating!

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