The Josephine Octave

A collection of eight motets that sings the praises of St. Joseph. Written for mixed choir in six parts (Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass) and organ. The oratorio was premiered by the Don Thompson Chorale at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL.

There is an ancient set of hymns from the Liturgy of the Hours dedicated to St. Joseph in what is called the Officium Parvum de Sancto Ioseph, or the "Little Office of St. Joseph". The libretto for The Josephine Octave is taken from a 1741 treatment of these hymns found in the hymnal Coeleste Palmetum, "Heavenly Palm Tree". The hymns recount the life and death of the saint as the sun rises and sets.

This was Strassberger's first work consisting of multiple movements.