Views from the Choir Loft

Articles

Andrew Leung · October 15, 2015

My New Assignment—Part 2

An update on my new assignment.

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · October 15, 2015

The Church Must Be Countercultural

What music is appropriate for a wedding?

Jeff Ostrowski · October 15, 2015

What? Sundays after Pentecost?

Be careful this year.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 14, 2015

When Choirmasters Despair

No matter how superb your music program is…

Fr. David Friel · October 13, 2015

Discussion of “Inclusivity” & “Diversity” at the Synod

Remarks from Archbishop Chaput

Dr. Lucas Tappan · October 13, 2015

Taka… What?

Kids love this!

Christopher Mueller · October 12, 2015

Rediscovering “Musicam Sacram”

I encountered anew this wonderfully clear and concise document about music in the liturgy.

Guest Author · October 12, 2015

“Saving” Gregorian Chant In The Ordinary Form

Daniel Craig’s review with a “signs of the times” digression.

Fr. David Friel · October 11, 2015

World Meeting of Families 2015 & the Papal Visit to Philadelphia — Part 1 of 2

A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Jeff Ostrowski · October 11, 2015

Kyrie XI • Gregorian Chant

I’ve wrongly neglected this famous chant.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 10, 2015

The Week In Review

Seven random thoughts…

Veronica Brandt · October 10, 2015

New CD by the Sistine Chapel Choir

Watch for more about the first ever commercial recording from the Sistine Chapel.

Corpus Christi Watershed · October 10, 2015

VIDEO • Fr. Kevin Vogel On Gregorian Chant

This video will interest lovers of sacred music.

Jeff Ostrowski · October 10, 2015

Musical Resources • 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Extraordinary Form)

“May these mysteries, we beseech thee, O Lord, bring us from heaven a healing medicine…”

Richard J. Clark · October 9, 2015

Digital vs. Pipe Organ • Who Wins?

The debate between digital and pipe organs as been intensified by a collaboration between Sony’s GRAMMY®-nominated artist, Cameron Carpenter and organ builders Marshall & Ogletree. Is it a revolution?

“2-Voice Piece” • For February 2nd

This year, the feast of the PRESENTATION (a.k.a. “Purification”) falls on a Sunday. There’s an ancient hymn traditionally sung on this feast. Based upon #124 in the Brébeuf Hymnal, an arrangement has been made for two voices: men on the bottom, ladies on top. Some will desire to download this score (PDF), which has been made available for free.

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Entrance Chant” • 2nd Sunday (Ord. Time)

Download the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON in English for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (19 January 2025). This English adaptation matches the mode of the version in Gregorian Chant. Corresponding to the vocalist score is this free organ accompaniment. If you’re someone who enjoys rehearsal videos, this morning I attempted to sing it while simultaneously accompanying my voice on the pipe organ.

—Jeff Ostrowski

Repugnant Rhymes in Hymns

Repeatedly, I have pointed out that the Brébeuf Hymnal is distinguished (among other things) by its elegant and praiseworthy use of rhyme. I have persistently denounced hymnals with “babyfied” or “predictable” or “bland” rhymes. Let me give an example. I noticed a hymn with a particularly repulsive refrain (in terms of its use of rhyme). The verses were much better, as you can see. It turns out the verses were written by Monsignor Ronald Knox—one of the 20th century’s great poets—but some schmuck “affixed” his banal refrain onto it. Reprehensible!

—Jeff Ostrowski

The Dedication of a Musician

I am reading the biography of a musician (Leo Sowerby), and I read a quote that makes my head shake in sorrow: “[Sowerby] also cultivated a rhetoric that pushed aside questions of his personal life, stating repeatedly for instance it would be impossible for him to do what he did as a musician while also being married.” I think most readers of this blog who cultivate an active Catholic life and who diligently follow the teachings of the Church in its fullness might agree: one cannot be a good husband/wife/father/mother/priest/religious and become one of those rarified musicians who are able to dedicate all their time to hone their craft. However, might I suggest that this wholly misses the point of being an artist. St. John Paul II says that man is generous by nature. In other words, it is in the very being of what it is to be human to be giving of oneself. An artist who is truly living their God-given talent gives freely of themselves first in their vocation, and then their contemplation of beauty will not be stifled by their life in communion with others. Rather, that giving of self is the underlying impetus and drive that will influence and mold their art in ways that living a worldly-minded, “self-fulfilled” life can never do. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

—William J. Fritz

“Reader Feedback” • 6 January 2025

A message we received: “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 Lord bless and protect your very important apostolate.”

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“Lessons and Carols”

Seen online! Dr. Samuel Backman conducted a “Lessons and Carols” service with his choir, and someone produced this lovely vignette.

—Corpus Christi Watershed