Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Veronica Brandt · November 19, 2016

Liturgy and Sensory Issues

Simplicity and predictability are important for being inclusive.

Richard J. Clark · November 18, 2016

A Dad’s Dilemma • I pray and God determines.

Working for the Church is wholly at odds with having a family and being present for them.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 15, 2016

Did Pope Francis Denigrate “Rigid” Young Catholics?

If 500 people attend Mass and one acts as lector, there are still 499 people “not participating” by that flawed logic…

Dr. Lucas Tappan · November 15, 2016

Seven Tips for the Organist

I also want to say “thank you” to all of you who play the organ during the sacred liturgy. We owe you a great song of gratitude!

Jeff Ostrowski · November 14, 2016

Gorgeous Picture • “The Visitation”

Quite interesting, containing additional mysteries for those who look carefully…

Fr. David Friel · November 13, 2016

A Triptych on Mercy • Reflection II

The Need for Mercy

Veronica Brandt · November 12, 2016

Gregorian chant is not all the same

Have you ever been asked to sing some Gregorian chant? How do you choose a representative piece?

Fr. David Friel · November 11, 2016

The Legacy of Martin of Tours

A Tribute to a Soldier-Saint on Veterans Day

Andrew Leung · November 10, 2016

CMAA Winter Sacred Music 2017

Early Registration is still available for Winter Sacred Music 2017 (Birmingham, AL).

Jeff Ostrowski · November 10, 2016

Musical Resources • 13 November (1962 Missal)

He said, “Make room there; for the girl is not dead, but sleepeth.” And they laughed Him to scorn.

Corpus Christi Watershed · November 9, 2016

Sonnen: “I’ve never seen such a fine work of art.”

Spot an ancient chasuble or rare picture of St. Wojtyła? Odds are it came from John Paul Sonnen.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 9, 2016

Complete “Ite Missa Est” for Parish Organist

Accompaniments by Achille P. Bragers (1887-1955).

Jeff Ostrowski · November 8, 2016

Hysteria Over CDW Appointments?

Including two myths: one about the EF, and one about the OF.

Jeff Ostrowski · November 8, 2016

Do You Recognize This Hymn Tune? 1

The Brébeuf hymnal will include texts by contemporary Roman Catholic poets.

Guest Author · November 7, 2016

Catholic Liturgy in Secular Sweden

How does a tiny Catholic community in a secularized country celebrate Mass with the Pope?

“Reminder” — Month of April (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

Simplified Accompaniment (Easter Hymn)

Number 36 in the Brébeuf Hymnal is “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing,” an English translation for Ad Cenam Agni Próvidi (which was called “Ad Régias Agni Dapes” starting 1631). As of this morning, you can download a simplified keyboard accompaniment for it. Simply click here and scroll to the bottom. Many organists are forced to serve simultaneously as both CANTOR and ACCOMPANIST. In spite of what some claim, this can be difficult—which explains why choirmasters appreciate these simplified keyboard accompaniments. Sadly, many readers will click that link but forget to scroll to the bottom where the simplified PDF file is located.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Quasi Modo Sunday”

The Introit for “Quasi Modo Sunday” (12 April 2026) is particularly beautiful. The musical score can be downloaded as a PDF file, and so can the organ accompaniment. The official language of the Catholic Church is Latin (whereas Greek is our mother tongue). Vatican II said Gregorian Chant must be given “first place” under normal circumstances. As a result, some parishes will rightly sing the authentic version. On the other hand, because so many USA dioceses disobey the mandate of Vatican II, some musicians sing plainsong in the vernacular. I have attempted to simultaneously accompany myself on the pipe organ while singing the English version. Although very few take advantage of it, the complete Proprium Missae is posted at the flourishing feasts website.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • “Anima Christi”

I received a request for an organ accompaniment I created way back in 2007 for the “Anima Christi” Gregorian Chant. You can download this PDF file which has the score in plainsong followed by a keyboard accompaniment. Many melodies have been paired with “Anima Christi” over the centuries, but this is—perhaps—the most common one.

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF • “Liturgical Law” (467 Pages)

On Good Friday during the middle ages, the pope privately recited THE ENTIRE PSALTER. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself by reading this passage by Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen (d. 1943). His famous book—called “Liturgical Law: A Handbook Of The Roman Liturgy”—was published by the Benjamin Herder Book Company, which was the American arm (operating out of St. Louis, Missouri) of one of the world’s most significant Catholic publishers. Dom Charles Augustine Bachofen was born in Switzerland but spent his career between the Benedictine monasteries at Conception (Missouri) and Mount Angel (Oregon). His 1931 masterpiece, Liturgical Law can be downloaded as a PDF file … 467 pages!

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Gregorian Chant Quiz” • 24 March 2026

How well do you know your Gregorian hymns? Do you recognize the tune inserted into the bass line on this score? For many years, we sang the entire Mass in Gregorian chant—and I mean everything. As a result, it would be difficult to find a Gregorian hymn I don’t recognize instantly. Only decades later did I realize (with sadness) that this skill cannot be ‘monetized’… This particular melody is used for a very famous Gregorian hymn, printed in the LIBER USUALIS. Do you recognize it? Send me an email with the correct words, and I promise to tell everybody I meet about your prowess!

—Jeff Ostrowski