“Six Suggestions” • Working with Volunteer Choirs
One priest on this committee said something I’ll never forget…
“Counter-Melody” for a Hymn Tune…
Jeff Ostrowski has added a “counter-melody” to CUPERTINO, a hymn tune composed by Kevin Allen. You can download the Organist Score (PDF), which doubles as the vocalist score. You can also hear Jeff’s volunteer choir sing that “counter-melody” version in real life by clicking here.
“The Use of Plainsong in Heretical Worship” • (Letter by Dom Gregory Murray)
“Unless Catholic musicians (especially priests) are careful, they may easily encourage non-Catholics in the belief that the differences between Catholics and non-Catholics are of minor importance.” —Dom Murray
PDF Download • Extremely Rare! • “Liber Cantus Gregoriani” (1950) — 1,864 pages!
Church musicians ought not proceed in a frenzied, panic-stricken manner.
Easter Sequence • “Both English and Latin”
Earlier this afternoon, I created an organ harmonization for the EASTER SUNDAY SEQUENCE: Víctimæ Pascháli Laudes in English and Latin. The rhythm conforms to the pure (“untouched”) Vatican Edition, like what you’d find in editions by Schwann, Monsignor Nekes, Max Springer of Beuron, and Peter Wagner (Commissionis Pontificiæ Gregorianæ Membrum). The beautiful and highly accurate […]
Theological…
The 330-page booklet for Sacred Music Symposium contains more than just fabulous and inspiring music. Little theological ‘tidbits’ cover its pages. For example, consider Page 265. You can download a PDF copy of the entire booklet at the Symposium website.
“Please Share On Social Media” • Thank you!
For immediate release…
“Best & Worst Responses” • This Survey Was Responded To By 300+ Church Musicians
You’re probably thinking: “Jeff, if you think Father Rossini’s narrow-mindedness was bad, get ready for a rude awakening when you see what we’re up against in 2023.”
PDF Download • “Epitome Gradualis Romani” • Professionally Scanned — 1,106 pages!
Years ago, I struggled with being a “people pleaser.” (That means saying whatever will please the person standing in front of you.)
Re: Ancient Sequence (Thursday after Pentecost)
A priest saw her article and provided—for the first time in history—a literal English translation!
PDF • “For General Use Until Advent”
If you conduct a volunteer choir, you might consider using this Simple Piece #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) which can be used during the rest of the liturgical season until Advent. It’s based on the well known hymn tune: OLD HUNDREDTH. Rehearsal videos are available at #40691. A live recording of #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) by […]
“Are Church Musicians Paid Enough?” • 5 Solutions
With a digression on Corrinne May’s upcoming presentation.
Analysis • “Archaic and Quack Ideas on Chant”
“Gentlemen: Nobody is going to follow the archaic and quack ideas on Chant you are trying to propagate.” Mr. John Sandar
“Singing Advice” • Frank Sinatra to Ronald Reagan
Did Dom Mocquereau compose any official plainsong pieces included in the official edition? He did!
Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here’s my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
