Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Jeff Ostrowski · March 12, 2016

Suzanne Toolan • Missing Verse From “I Am The Bread Of Life” Hymn

Is this for real?

Richard J. Clark · March 11, 2016

When the Liturgy Astounds • The Fire of Divine Love

I found these words to be jaw dropping—utterly astounding.

Andrew Leung · March 10, 2016

Yes or No? • Accompanying Chant with the Organ

One of the hottest topics in the field: should chanting be accompanied by the organ?

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · March 10, 2016

Has The Church Rejected Her Inheritance?

The richness of liturgy and music should never be abandoned.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 8, 2016

Undoing A “Wreckovation” Is Possible

A positive church transformation!

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 8, 2016

They Lied To Me In Grad School

No matter what anyone else thinks, strive for greatness and never look back!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 7, 2016

PDF Download • “New Westminster Hymnal” (1939)

Can Watershed survive? (Part 4)

Fr. David Friel · March 6, 2016

Parish Lenten Programs • 15 Suggestions

Simply adhering to the liturgical traditions of the Church would be a wonderful Lenten program for every parish.

Guest Author · March 5, 2016

“To Sing With The Angels” • A History Of The Twin Cities Catholic Chorale

A guest article by Dr. Virginia A. Schubert.

Jeff Ostrowski · March 5, 2016

“Ave Maris Stella” • Take II

Have you ever changed your mind with regard to tempo?

Andrew Leung · March 3, 2016

Video • Why is Modern Art so Bad?

Why do we see so many ugly modern churches nowadays?

Jeff Ostrowski · March 3, 2016

Rehearsal Videos • My Favorite Lenten Hymn

Can Watershed survive? (Part 3)

Jeff Ostrowski · March 2, 2016

PDF Download • “Woodward Hymnal” (1913) … Outrageously Rare!

Can Watershed survive? (Part 2)

Dr. Lucas Tappan · March 1, 2016

Choir and Cantor?

Please, let the choir lead!

Jeff Ostrowski · March 1, 2016

| Part 1 of 3 | • “Kyrie Eleison” (SATB) within the reach of any choir!

Can Watershed survive? (Part 1)

New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”

My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…

—Jeff Ostrowski

PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies

Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?

It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)

How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).

—Corpus Christi Watershed