 |
Jeffrey Mark Ostrowski is a gifted young musician who has a broad vision for liturgical music for the twenty-first century Church. In an age where bland, often mediocre, music (and texts) are the norm in American Catholic churches, Jeff has created a Psaltery for the Lectionary that truly enables the assembly to give honor and glory to God. Using modern harmonic language, his musical style draws upon the heritage of Gregorian chant and Palestrina. In addition to the Psaltery which includes responsorial music and verses (in chant) for congregation and choir, he has composed numerous settings of the ordinary and acclamations that are sung at Holy Mass. I have used his music often and find it refreshing to the ear, and because of this, people in the pew have no problem picking up the melody. It is music that people want to sing—regardless of age. (It is not unusual to hear children humming the responsorial Psalm refrain as they leave the church after Mass!) |
|
This is music that (1) appeals to the intelligence of the singer; (2) truly directs the soul to Jesus; and (3) reveals the meaning of the text. The music of Jeff Ostrowksi has an integrity that is found rarely in Catholic church music today. Here is a humble composer who gives thanks back to God for the gifts he has received. Fortunately for all of us, through the generosity of the Chabanal Psalm project, we are able to share in the beauty that Jeff has created. — Joseph Dobos |
|
