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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.”

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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).

Jeff Ostrowski · July 30, 2019

Brébeuf Hymn #464 • “Christ ist erstanden”

The text of this hymn is the Church’s oldest Latin Eucharistic hymn, translated by Fr. Adrian Fortescue.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 25, 2019

The Day Music Theory Failed Me

Readers already know I believe in the value of Music Theory…

Jeff Ostrowski · July 24, 2019

Brébeuf Hymn #517 • “Veni Redemptor Gentium”

This recording was completed last night (23 July 2019).

Jeff Ostrowski · July 20, 2019

Brébeuf Hymn #156 • “Christe Redemptor”

The Soprano line was sung by a young lady in the 8th grade—and she did very well.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 18, 2019

Can Girls In The 2nd Grade Sing SATB Hymns?

If a girl in the 2nd grade can learn it after hearing it only a few times, I believe everyone is capable of learning it.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 16, 2019

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen…”

…the saddest are these: “It might have been!”

Jeff Ostrowski · July 13, 2019

(Individual Parts) • New Hymn by Richard J. Clark

During the Symposium, a wonderful young lady from Las Vegas taught students how to create multi-track recordings.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 9, 2019

Hymn Harmony: Fifty Examples—Good and Bad!

We will not be considering musically absurd examples from the past.

Jeff Ostrowski · July 4, 2019

Accompanying Gregorian Chant: “Counter-Melody”

Do you hear the little counter-melody added by the organist to several verses?

Jeff Ostrowski · July 3, 2019

(Live Recording) • Hymn by Richard J. Clark

Recordings from Symposium 2019 are beginning to appear!

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…

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?

Jeff Ostrowski · June 7, 2019

Where Did “Do-Re-Mi” Come From?

A concise and clear explanation from a 1957 book…

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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

“Church officials frequently asked Tomás Luis de Victoria for his opinion on cathedral appointments because of his fame and knowledge. He was faithful to his position as convent organist even after his professional debut as an organist, and never accepted any extra pay for being a chapelmaster. Held in great esteem, his contract allowed him frequent travel away from the convent, and he attended Palestrina’s funeral (in Rome) in 1594.”

— ‘Dr. Robert Stevenson, 1961 (mod.)’

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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