1898 Romisches Gradualbuch

Jeff Ostrowski · January 31, 2025

PDF Download • Intensely Rare 1898 “Roman Gradual” — (Released for the First Time in History)

I carefully scanned all 642 pages in (color) high resolution.

For more than twenty years, I’ve sought information regarding Karl Ott, who in 1935 published the OFFERTORIALE (a book containing the lengthy and elaborate ‘extended’ verses for mediæval offertories). I’m beginning to think he never existed in the first place. Perhaps “KARL OTT” is a pseudonym. For years, I wondered where he copied his scores from, but that mystery has been solved.. They looked like the editions by Solesmes Abbey, but they lacked rhythmic symbols. It turns out Ott ‘borrowed’ the plates from this beautiful edition published by Solesmes in 1908.

—Jeff Ostrowski

2 February • “Communion”

The COMMUNION ANTIPHON for the feast of the Presentation (2 February)—which was formally known as the feast of the Purification—is quite beautiful. I would say: “Somewhat dark, yet beautiful.”

—Jeff Ostrowski

“Music List” • 3rd Sunday (Ord. Time)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the “ORDER OF MUSIC” I prepared for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (26 January 2025). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. The ENTRANCE CHANT and OFFERTORY ANTIPHON both strike me as particularly beautiful.

—Jeff Ostrowski

The Lofty Nature of This Goal

It is important above all that we never lose sight of our true goal as church musicians: the right worship of Almighty God. This is not a pious sentiment that should cause us to be lax about technical elements of music. Rather, the lofty nature of this goal is should motivate and inspire us to pursue the techne of musicianship with even greater zeal.

—Dr. Samuel Backman

Our Lady of Good Success Novena (+ Antiphon)

Today starts a Novena to Our Lady of Good Success. Curiously, there is an Antiphon included towards the end of each day’s prayers which looks very similar to this one.

—Veronica Brandt

Don’t Be Fooled by a Late Easter

Isn’t it wonderful to come back to rehearsals after a brief Christmas recess and realize Easter doesn’t come until April 20? It’s tempting to be very relaxed about progress, but I’m trying to keep a sense of momentum. Though I will probably spend a bit of extra time working on vocal production issues with my choir, I want to have all our Triduum and Easter music well in hand by the end of March. That way, we can spend our April rehearsals polishing rather than frantically learning notes.

—Keven Smith