SATB Mass Setting by Jeff Ostrowski . . . with videos by Matthew J. Curtis!
  • Paul_OnnonhoaratonPaul_Onnonhoaraton
    Posts: 434
    Practice Videos are here!

    Mass of the English Martyrs

    - - -

    Here is a sample:

    - - -

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXjz9eStCPY
    Thanked by 2tomboysuze Earl
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    Is that an original harmonization?
    Wow.
    Thanked by 3noel jones, aago Andrew Motyka Paul_Onnonhoaraton
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,216
    Is there some Influence from Kevin Allen in there?
    Thanked by 1Paul_Onnonhoaraton
  • Andrew Motyka
    Posts: 946
    Is there a superlative word for "bravo?"
    Thanked by 1Paul_Onnonhoaraton
  • Paul F. Ford
    Posts: 864
    Bravissimo!
    Thanked by 2Paul_Onnonhoaraton Andrew Motyka
  • BenBen
    Posts: 3,114
    I hear some Allen in there as well...

    This is fantastic. You never cease to amaze me, Jeff.
    Thanked by 1Paul_Onnonhoaraton
  • Mark M.Mark M.
    Posts: 632
    Congratulations and bravo, Jeff!

    Some questions/comments for you here:

    (1) I see that your "Mass of the English Martyrs" is, essentially, a compilation (if you will) from portions of your other settings of the Ordinary. Would you say that these are your favorite settings, or were you aiming to make a compilation of what you believe are the easiest Kyries, Glorias, etc.? Or were they the most popular portions of each of your settings? That is, was there any particular principle that governed your selection of these individual selections?

    (2) For the Sanctus (which I see is from your setting in honor of St. Anne Line), would you consent to a performance practice which would give two syllables on the same note to "heaven," rather than "heav'n" as written? (I only ask because my pastor didn't approve of the St. Line Mass over just that one issue. He did like all of the St. Sherwin, though!) I'd certainly understand if you would ask that the setting be performed as written.

    (3) Bravo on the harmonization of the Snow Our Father! This certainly adds delight to a setting which has sometimes been — uh, maligned? — perhaps because of the contour of the melodic line in relation to the text, I think. But it is nonetheless a very well-known setting throughout the English-speaking world. I've been to Masses where all the music is regrettable to say the least, save for a moment of dignity with the Snow.

    Bravo yet again!
    Thanked by 2Paul_Onnonhoaraton tomboysuze
  • Paul_OnnonhoaratonPaul_Onnonhoaraton
    Posts: 434
    Friends,

    1.

    I really appreciate all these supportive comments. Your kindness gives me strength.

    2.

    Mark M. : (1) All of the above (with one exception; I prefer the Arrowsmith Gloria) --- (2) Feel free to change it any way you feel is best (I think it would be quite easy to simply change "heaven" to two short notes) --- (3) Thanks, it is an original harmonization (I believe I provide a total of three on the Mass Settings website).

    3.

    Again, THANKS so much for your kind comments --- It is "not easy" to write an "easy" Mass . . . if you know what I mean!
    Thanked by 1Mark M.
  • mattcavoto
    Posts: 25
    Post removed by author
    Thanked by 1Paul_Onnonhoaraton
  • tomboysuzetomboysuze
    Posts: 289
    I like! This is very exciting, Jeff, as I am a big fan of your Ralph Sherwin and St. Anne Line masses. I add my humble bravo to the chorus.

    This compilation is a very successful marriage of your various ordinary settings -- sort of the result of "first among equals" in my mind - the best of those graceful settings.

    Very smart move. As any good music teacher in a K-12 setting will tell you - getting the average person to sing a high quality setting of anything, is predicated on two things being present in the compositional structure: 1. melodic elements that have the potential to become 'familiar' and can be drilled into memory (and will re-surface naturally after the piece is learned) 2. an organic beauty that rises and falls while evoking an emotional response in both listener and performer.

    Writing those elements into something that is uncomplicated (I won't say simple, because it's far from simple) takes a lot of skill and is difficult to do well. Easy to do if the venue is Broadway and sappy, trite melodies are 'de rigueur'. Very hard to do when writing in the style of chant.

    Finding all of that along with a harmonic structure that will keep the choir (and Director) happy is rare - esp. in setting the Ordinary. I just had my Asst. Conductor review this mass with me last night and we're planning to use this setting in the next few weeks.

    Thank you, Jeff. Job well done.

    ps....And, I would say, YES - Kevin Allen's influence is very evident. We just did his "O Sacrum" and 2 weeks prior, his "O Sanctissima" - his lean, harmonic style is very present to my ear....and I like the way you employed it.
  • Heath
    Posts: 966
    Friends, after *much* deliberation (and a debacle involving a publisher . . . story for another time), I think I'm going to give JMO's wonderful "English Martyrs" setting a go.

    I know a few of you have used it . . . feedback on implementation is welcome. I'd love to hear how you did it at your parish and how well the folks in the pews took to it.
Add a Comment