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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.”
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.”
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).
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.”
Years ago, I struggled with being a “people pleaser.” (That means saying whatever will please the person standing in front of you.)
A priest saw her article and provided—for the first time in history—a literal English translation!
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 […]
With a digression on Corrinne May’s upcoming presentation.
“Gentlemen: Nobody is going to follow the archaic and quack ideas on Chant you are trying to propagate.” Mr. John Sandar
Did Dom Mocquereau compose any official plainsong pieces included in the official edition? He did!
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.
My colleague, Patrick Williams, has given me permission to share with our audience a recording his choir made.
Letters like this prove there are still awesome people in this world!
There was no explanation given for why “Darrin Stephens” was suddenly a completely different person.
I don’t think our readers are interested in what we say about Gregorian rhythm—they’re interested only in what we can demonstrate.
My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year’s Sacred Music Symposium. If you’re interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of […]
“The organ is so universally used as an accompanying instrument today that there is a pressing need to provide a written accompaniment…” —César Franck
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