One of the most stark contrasts between the Ordinary Form and the Extraordinary Form is how boisterous the singing of the Credo is in the EF compared with the mundane recitation in the OF.
4 comments:
schmenz
said...
Yes, the Traditional Mass does have a specific place for singing, but not necessarily by a non-trained congregation. Typically, at a High Mass, a trained choir under a skilled director provides the singing during the celebration. When Mass ends it is possible for the congregation to sign something short - and appropriate - together.
Contrariwise, at a traditional Low Mass there is no singing and no choir and no organ. There is much quiet, contemplative prayer, which is why some have called the Low Mass, in that sense, superior to the High.
Tinkering with the traditional Mass began little by little about 90 years ago or so, when the so-called "dialog Mass" was instituted by the Modernists in certain areas. In that aberration, the function of the altar servers was diminished (a very bad move) and congregational, Protestant-like singing was encouraged.
Congregational singing has a place, but not during the Sacrifice.
The proper parts of the Mass were meant to be sung by the people(Creed, Santus, etc.). If the people can't sing them then they should be trained. Other parts were meant for a choir(Introit, Communio, etc.). The Low Mass was created to be used as an exception, not the rule. The Tradition of the Church has always been a sung liturgy.
I think you mean the ordinary parts for the people (what you call "proper") and the proper parts for the choir (what you call "other")...
Agreed, I can't wait until the creed is sung more often at the OF. Right now, it's almost never sung. Ever. Not even in many traditional places such as the men's retreat, where everything else was chanted, readings and all.
4 comments:
Yes, the Traditional Mass does have a specific place for singing, but not necessarily by a non-trained congregation. Typically, at a High Mass, a trained choir under a skilled director provides the singing during the celebration. When Mass ends it is possible for the congregation to sign something short - and appropriate - together.
Contrariwise, at a traditional Low Mass there is no singing and no choir and no organ. There is much quiet, contemplative prayer, which is why some have called the Low Mass, in that sense, superior to the High.
Tinkering with the traditional Mass began little by little about 90 years ago or so, when the so-called "dialog Mass" was instituted by the Modernists in certain areas. In that aberration, the function of the altar servers was diminished (a very bad move) and congregational, Protestant-like singing was encouraged.
Congregational singing has a place, but not during the Sacrifice.
The proper parts of the Mass were meant to be sung by the people(Creed, Santus, etc.). If the people can't sing them then they should be trained. Other parts were meant for a choir(Introit, Communio, etc.). The Low Mass was created to be used as an exception, not the rule. The Tradition of the Church has always been a sung liturgy.
I would recommend Why Catholic Can't Sing.
I think you mean the ordinary parts for the people (what you call "proper") and the proper parts for the choir (what you call "other")...
Agreed, I can't wait until the creed is sung more often at the OF. Right now, it's almost never sung. Ever. Not even in many traditional places such as the men's retreat, where everything else was chanted, readings and all.
Doh, these are the things that happen when I'm trying to throw some posts together before I head down to Madison!
To me if anything should be sung, it should be the Creed.
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