Aren’t we confusing the EF and the OF with the question in the first place? The GIRM relates to the OF which doesn’t distinguish between “High Mass,” “Low Mass” etc.
Those terms relate to the EF which has its own instructions.
The GIRM is littered with vague references to things like “solemn,” “more solemn,” “less solemn,” etc. They have no definitions, but I’m pretty sure that when candles are talked about, some reference is made to more candles (up to six ordinarily) being more solemn. It follows that in a more solemn occasion, more candles can, and perhaps ought… to be used.
In the Caeremoniale or Pontificale, I don’t remember which (this is OF mind you), a reference is made to the fact that a pontifical candle, which is a seventh candle, can (should? idk) be used when a bishop celebrates solemnly.
Then we also have
Musicam Sacram (1967), currently the ultimate and supreme Roman document on music for the OF, in which is stated rather plainly:
- Between the solemn, fuller form of liturgical celebration, in which everything that demands singing is in fact sung, and the simplest form, in which singing is not used, there can be various degrees according to the greater or lesser place allotted to singing. However, in selecting the parts which are to be sung, one should start with those that are by their nature of greater importance, and especially those which are to be sung by the priest or by the ministers, with the people replying, or those which are to be sung by the priest and people together. The other parts may be gradually added according as they are proper to the people alone or to the choir alone.
So, provision is in fact made in the OF for solemn Masses and “simplest” Masses, and all kinds of things in between. When, exactly, each particular “level” of solemnity is done is a question that is probably more practical than anything else (within reason), but the idea of two opposite poles–everything sung and nothing sung–is maintained in the OF.
The GIRM is not the only document that governs the OF, nor is it in any way exhaustive. This can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it.
Now, someone might say, “Well that’s a document on music, not candles,” which is true in a very legalistic sense, but the document here is both descriptive
and prescriptive. It is descriptive in that it describes an idea, the “solemn, fuller form of liturgical celebration.” It doesn’t define this, it just makes reference to it; this idea alredy exists “out there somewhere.” It takes it for granted. The Roman tradition and rubrics have plenty to say about more solemn occasions: better vestments, more candles, better music, etc.
So, I argue that 1. more candles (4-7) is more solemn than less (2), and that the idea of “levels” of Masses is preserved explicitly in legislation governing the OF.
