La Riforma Liturgica Bugnini

Jeff Ostrowski · February 5, 2025

PDF Download • “Psalm Comparison Chart”

This PDF chart will be of interest to Catholic musicians!

Abbey Psalms & Canticles • Copyright?

A mildly disturbing “Triple C” (Confusion, Controversy, and Contradiction) reigns when it comes to the question of whether the so-called ABBEY PSALMS AND CANTICLES is a candidate for proprietary copyright. The morality question is clear-cut: it’s immoral to sell mandatory Mass texts for profit. (Entities which have done this in the past are obligated to make restitution.) But from a legal standpoint, serious questions have been raised. Without taking a position, this thorough article provides a summary of the issue.

—Corpus Christi Watershed

“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

Antiphons Don’t Match?

A reader wants to know why the Entrance and Communion antiphons in certain publications deviate from what’s prescribed by the GRADUALE ROMANUM published after Vatican II. Click here to read our answer. The short answer is: the Adalbert Propers were never intended to be sung. They were intended for private Masses only (or Masses without music).

—Corpus Christi Watershed

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