Ayuda nos! Where can I find good Spanish music?

[Cavaille-Coll]

Can anyone recommend a Spanish-language hymnal which has traditional hymns and Mass parts that follow the approved Spanish translations? All I have access to is Flor y Canto, which is awful. There is so much in the musical traditions of Spain and Latin America is “singable,” has orthodox lyrics, and doesn’t sound like mariachi music, but it doesn’t seem to get published here. Most of FyC’s Mass parts are poor paraphrases of the official translations, and over half of the hymns seem to be authored by the same Spanish priest. The last time I was in Mexico, I sought everywhere and only found one book with printed music, since Mexican churches as a rule do not use hymnals. Does Ignatius Press have a Spanish version of Adoremus in the works?

 

[benedictgal]

Can anyone recommend a Spanish-language hymnal which has traditional hymns and Mass parts that follow the approved Spanish translations? All I have access to is Flor y Canto, which is awful. There is so much in the musical traditions of Spain and Latin America is “singable,” has orthodox lyrics, and doesn’t sound like mariachi music, but it doesn’t seem to get published here. Most of FyC’s Mass parts are poor paraphrases of the official translations, and over half of the hymns seem to be authored by the same Spanish priest. The last time I was in Mexico, I sought everywhere and only found one book with printed music, since Mexican churches as a rule do not use hymnals. Does Ignatius Press have a Spanish version of Adoremus in the works?

There is a new (but, not necessarily improved) version of Flor Y Canto out there. Don’t try the Mass version that says Tradicional because it isn’t. The Gloria is merely a paraphrase that cuts out significant chunks of the prayer. There is one setting (at least for the Eucharistic Acclamations) that is actually quite good because it doesn’t paraphrase the Sanctus and the Memorial Acclamation. I think its the Misa Panoamericana.

There is also another one in Unidos En Cristo/United in Christ. Inasmuch as I have disdain for OCP, my diocese is stuck with it for the Spanish versions. You are right in that Mexican churches do not have hymnals (I live on the Texas-Mexico border). Some of them actually use F y C while others use that horrid NeoCatechumenal music.

Where is verdigirl when you need her?

 

[puzzleannie]

we have not yet purchased a new Spanish language lectionary and hymnals because, as I understand, the US bishops have not yet adopted and had approved a translation. Apparently just taking an approved Mexican or Spanish version can’t be done, may the Cubans would be offended, I have no idea why. also the use of hymnals is also somewhat controversial for reasons I am also not privy to.

a lot of the hymns in the two most commonly used misalettes do come from FyC, but the ones we hear used most often are more traditional. In some parishes they would leave in droves if you played de Colores. Some have been banned, mostly those based on psalm paraphrases that become inaccurate and change the meaning (same reason some English transliterations of psalms have also been banned). some parishes just buy hymnals and other materials in Mexico, some liberal parishes us FyC because for a long time it was the only game in town, but most just rely on either the Paluch misalette or Celebremos with those hymns.

 

[benedictgal]

we have not yet purchased a new Spanish language lectionary and hymnals because, as I understand, the US bishops have not yet adopted and had approved a translation. Apparently just taking an approved Mexican or Spanish version can’t be done, may the Cubans would be offended, I have no idea why. also the use of hymnals is also somewhat controversial for reasons I am also not privy to.

a lot of the hymns in the two most commonly used misalettes do come from FyC, but the ones we hear used most often are more traditional. In some parishes they would leave in droves if you played de Colores. Some have been banned, mostly those based on psalm paraphrases that become inaccurate and change the meaning (same reason some English transliterations of psalms have also been banned). some parishes just buy hymnals and other materials in Mexico, some liberal parishes us FyC because for a long time it was the only game in town, but most just rely on either the Paluch misalette or Celebremos with those hymns.

What part of Southeast Texas are you from? Are you south of me or east of me?

Over four years ago, I represented my diocese at the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions when they met in San Antonio. I attended the workshop on the Spanish lectionary. Msgr. Moroney, the former secretary of the Bishops Committee on Divine Worship led the discussion. I asked him about the infamous “orange” and “blue” lectionaries that many parishes were using. He said that those were forbidden because they were based on a translation that used heavy doses of liberation theology. What he told us to use (for the meantime) was the Mexican lectionary for the readings and the Mexican Roman Missal (sacramentary) for the celebrant. At the time they were working on one for the U.S. But, as I said, that was back in October 2003. We are now in 2008 and nada.

Now, to a certain extent, you are right about a lot of Flor Y Canto, although I think that the Cursillistas would rise up as one man and hurl you down the cliff regarding De Colores (now, I am a Cursillista, but, I don’t much care for the song–it says nothing at all about the Lord until after the fourth verse). Actually, the tune is from a rather suggestive Mexican hit song. If people only knew the original words , they might think twice about the song (incidentally, ditto for Amigo–they only changed the words for JP II, but, the song is not very nice). One of the priests banned “Hombres (now Pueblos) Nuevos” because the wording was straight out of a liberation theology textbook. The psalms, though, are okay, especially the ones from Manuel Garcia because he does not take liberties with the texts.

But, I digress from the OP. I did find one Mass compliation that I can live with (at least as far as the Eucharistic Acclamations are concerned) and whose wording is intact. It’s the Missa del Immigrante by Bob Hurd. It’s actually quite good, just stick with the Spanish only section. The whole bilingual thing botheres me, especially with the languages changing mid-stream. I don’t much care for the Agnus Dei that I think is part of the package. Just stick to the text.

 

[puzzleannie]

What part of Southeast Texas are you from? Are you south of me or east of me?

RGV, mid-Valley. d. of Brownsville (you broke off from us a few years ago)

most congregations here have flat out rejected the whole bilingual thing. it is used of necessity on holy days when there is only one main Mass, but nobody likes it, and competing choirs make it even more deadly.

our pastor has rejected most Hurd and Cantemos music (the blue CD and book) out of hand, for problems with lyrics beyond my comprehension, but I am allowed to use it in CCD for prayer services etc. We used some of FyC until they were destroyed in the rainstorm last year, and will not replace until the new lectionary is available, and hopefully accompanied by a new music issue.

the Basilica in San Juan sets the tone for most Spanish music used at Mass, and since the change in directors, and severe limitation of use of mariachis, that has changed a lot.

 

[benedictgal]

most congregations here have flat out rejected the whole bilingual thing. it is used of necessity on holy days when there is only one main Mass, but nobody likes it, and competing choirs make it even more deadly.

our pastor has rejected most Hurd and Cantemos music (the blue CD and book) out of hand, for problems with lyrics beyond my comprehension, but I am allowed to use it in CCD for prayer services etc. We used some of FyC until they were destroyed in the rainstorm last year, and will not replace until the new lectionary is available, and hopefully accompanied by a new music issue.

the Basilica in San Juan sets the tone for most Spanish music used at Mass, and since the change in directors, and severe limitation of use of mariachis, that has changed a lot.

Inamuch as I can’t stand most of what OCP, I am still on their mailing list and I had just received the sampler CD for the latest incarnation of F y C. I can certainly feel your pain, having heard good chunks of the sampler and only liking three of the selections.

A friend of mine and I were discussing the bilingual parts of the Mass and she chastised me for disdaining the whole matter. I told her that they really serve no end and only confuse folks even more. She said that I don’t understand the culture. Rather than fight with her, I just tried to let the music speak for itself. After she heard the switches, I think she may have gotten the point.

Incidentally, is it true that your esteemed bishop may be retiring soon? My dad served with him when your ordinary did CYO in our neck of the woods many, many moons ago (I was barely learning how to walk).

 

[puzzleannie]

He is nearing retirement age, yes, has done a great job, having to follow Bp. Fitzpatrick, huge shoes to fill. Diocesan synod was a gread accomplishment, also establishment of diocesan seminary, strong people in key diocesan positions, ordinations every year, we have been very privileged to work with him. And he knows my name, which blows me away.

 

[benedictgal]

He is nearing retirement age, yes, has done a great job, having to follow Bp. Fitzpatrick, huge shoes to fill. Diocesan synod was a gread accomplishment, also establishment of diocesan seminary, strong people in key diocesan positions, ordinations every year, we have been very privileged to work with him. And he knows my name, which blows me away.

You’re lucky to have him. My dad has very fond memories of him. They called him Fr. Napoleon (for endearing, stature reasons– ).

There is one song from the new F y C edition that I can’t get out of my head, Amen by Schiavone. The “Amen” sounds pretty, but the rest of the words are a little strange. It could work for Communion, but, the bilingual part drives me crazy as the English is a little questionable and the Spanish emphasizes the community too much. The organ melody is lovely, though.

“Cien ovejas” is pretty, but, it keeps reminding me of the time I lost one of my dachshunds and thought I would never find him. Thank God, I did, though. Inasmuch as the song is about the parable, it takes about two verses before Jesus is mentioned. I guess that’s why it reminds me more of my doxie babies.

In your earlier post you mention the stuff from Paluch. A word to the wise: a lot of what Paluch prints comes straight out of OCP since it is the default Spanish-language publishing house here in the States. Given the fact that OCP also gets its material from Argentina, Spain and other parts of the Spanish-speaking world, I wouldn’t doubt that it also has its tentacles spread all over Europe and Latin America. So, it’s hard to escape the OCP influence.