Corruptio Optimi Pessima

Jeff Ostrowski · February 3, 2025

Jesuit Recruitment Video (1950s)

It’s difficult to understand why some modern-day Jesuits have not been reprimanded by their superiors.

“Music List” • Presentation (2 February)

Some have expressed interest in perusing the “ORDER OF MUSIC” I prepared for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (2 February 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

“Entrance Chant” • Presentation (2 Febr.)

You can download the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON in English for the Presentation of the Lord (2 February 2025). This feast is also known as “Candlemas.” Corresponding to the vocalist score is this free organ accompaniment. This English adaptation “mimics” the authentic Gregorian Chant version in a splendid way. 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

The Mystery Has Been Solved

For 20+ 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 resemble Solesmes’ editions but lack rhythmic symbols. It turns out Ott ‘borrowed’ the plates from this beautiful 1908 edition by Solesmes Abbey.

—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