“An Unknown Parishioner Approached Me…”
Can modern composers write hymns? Are they stirring?
“If we do not love those whom we see, how can we love God, Whom we do not see?” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
A theorist, organist, and conductor, Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004), and did graduate work in Musicology. He serves as choirmaster for the new FSSP parish in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and children.—Read full biography (with photographs).
I created this organ accompaniment booklet for organists who will accompany Vespers on Pentecost Sunday. Feel free to download it; it might give you some ideas or inspiration. Be warned: It looks pretty sloppy. (The organist is the only one who sees it.)
A very intelligent singer admitted that only yesterday did he finally come to understand what a “melismatic mora vocis” is. Only yesterday did he come to understand the “white notes” (blank spaces). You can see the Introit for Pentecost Sunday only has two instances of MMV (“melismatic mora vocis”).
From Saint Petersburg, Florida: “Thank you so much for all of your tireless and selfless work in building up the Kingdom of God and Helping us on the path toward heaven! Your work for many years now has borne much fruit in my life and in the lives of whom I work with. May the […]
From Pennsylvania: “Thank you for all of the music on your website! It has been of immense help to me as a choir director.” From Minnesota: “Thank you for your awesome ministry! I started going to a Latin mass parish about 10 years ago, and this website has been indispensable to me. I could not […]
“The Vatican Edition … contains absolutely all that is needed for the exact rendition of the liturgical chant.” —Sacred Congregation of Rites (1911)
J. F. M. kindly made us aware of the following video clip, which features Kevin Allen.
My choirs have been singing from the “pure” Editio Vaticana rhythm, which is (technically) the official rhythm of the Catholic Church. I haven’t quite decided how I want the scores to look yet, but this one I’ve produced for tomorrow, Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the Ascension”).
A reader from Wisconsin: “I will pray for you and CC Watershed. This site has been one of the most valuable resources I have in helping me run a choir for an ICKSP apostolate.” A reader from New York: “May God bless you for your wonderful work! This site has been invaluable to me.” A […]
A french version (1,798 pages) is also available for free PDF download.
From a reader: “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the time and resources poured into CCWatershed. It’s transformed how I approach music in the parish, and has especially helped me deepen appreciation for the ability of volunteer musicians.”
“In truth, I’ve done a decidedly poor job soliciting money.” —Jeff Ostrowski
From a reader: “I wasn’t looking for it. But, I stumbled across your hand-dandy arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon. Jeff, this is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I had to play a wedding on Saturday. The bride requested the Canon. There were 11 bridesmaids! The organ loft is a football field away from the communion […]
You will notice Father Guerrero takes the chant melody (“Beata Mater”) and creates a perfect canon between Soprano and Alto.
I’m still trying to decide how to visually present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores, using what is (technically) the official rhythm of the Church. You can download my latest attempt, for this coming Sunday. Notice the “trochee trouble” as well as the old issue of neumes before the quilisma.
Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.