Change in Music

[daisy_jones]

So, along with the new mass changes came modern music at my parish - complete with a guitar! I would really love to petition the choir to sing choral music, but I don’t know how to go about that. They did not sing choral music before this, but they were not nearly as modern as they are now.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I go to the Music Director or the Pastor? I don’t want to offend anyone, but the modern music is extremely distracting and I cannot understand why some want to ignore the beautiful choral music Catholics have!

 

[YoungTradCath]

That’s extremely unfortunate, and you have my near-funerary condolences. I think the best thing to do, in all honesty, is to join the choir.

 

[Chatter163]

Wow, if anything, many of the new settings seem to be encouraging choirs to go in the other direction–toward more traditional music.

 

[Leon_Bloy]

Yeah, we need a renaissance of music in the Church!

Look at how popular many Gregorian chant CDs have been in the popular market - and with non-Catholics! The argument that Church music has to be this fake folk garbage in order for people to “relate” to it is wearing pretty thin.

 

[daisy_jones]

That’s extremely unfortunate, and you have my near-funerary condolences. I think the best thing to do, in all honesty, is to join the choir.

Thanks for your condolences. I do not want to join the choir - this may sound weird, but I do not like being outward with my faith, (i.e. joining the choir.) I still struggle with some Catholic beliefs and would feel like a hypocrite if I suddenly started publicly announcing things in which I am not sure I fully believe. People know I am Catholic, but I do not really talk about it - I just try to follow it as best as I can on my own and try to be a compassionate person. Maybe if I ever come to terms with these beliefs, I will join!

That being said - I still think traditional choral music is appropriate for the mass and would help a lot of people concentrate more and appreciate the mass more, instead of looking at the clock or just reading along. I just don’t know how to go about asking them!

 

[daisy_jones]

Wow, if anything, many of the new settings seem to be encouraging choirs to go in the other direction–toward more traditional music.

Yeah - I do NOT understand the change at all!

 

[YoungTradCath]

Thanks for your condolences. I do not want to join the choir - this may sound weird, but I do not like being outward with my faith, (i.e. joining the choir.) I still struggle with some Catholic beliefs and would feel like a hypocrite if I suddenly started publicly announcing things in which I am not sure I fully believe. People know I am Catholic, but I do not really talk about it - I just try to follow it as best as I can on my own and try to be a compassionate person. Maybe if I ever come to terms with these beliefs, I will join!

That being said - I still think traditional choral music is appropriate for the mass and would help a lot of people concentrate more and appreciate the mass more, instead of looking at the clock or just reading along. I just don’t know how to go about asking them!

I think, to further this view, which I share, we should use, instead of “traditional music,” the term “artistically superior music.” That is certainly true, and it makes more sense in a real argument.

 

[Leon_Bloy]

I think, to further this view, which I share, we should use, instead of “traditional music,” the term “artistically superior music.” That is certainly true, and it makes more sense in a real argument.

That’s a great idea.

It’s similar to how I never say “back to the people,” but instead, “facing the altar.”

 

[Anna_Claire]

Your pastor has the final say regarding music. Personally I appreciate both styles. Perhaps the majority of folks at your parish prefer contemporary. However if you are reluctant about getting involved you probably should remain quiet about it.

 

[daisy_jones]

Yeah, we need a renaissance of music in the Church!

Look at how popular many Gregorian chant CDs have been in the popular market - and with non-Catholics! The argument that Church music has to be this fake folk garbage in order for people to “relate” to it is wearing pretty thin.

I relate to choral music so much more than modern church music, and not just because I am a Catholic, but also because I am a fan of music!

Don’t get me wrong - I am a big fan of secular folk music, but it does not have a place in mass, in my opinion. Choral music is much more meaningful for the mass by serving as an aid for meditation and setting a reverent tone.

 

[daisy_jones]

That’s a great idea.

It’s similar to how I never say “back to the people,” but instead, “facing the altar.”

I think, to further this view, which I share, we should use, instead of “traditional music,” the term “artistically superior music.” That is certainly true, and it makes more sense in a real argument.

That is a great idea and DOES make more sense! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[daisy_jones]

Your pastor has the final say regarding music. Personally I appreciate both styles. Perhaps the majority of folks at your parish prefer contemporary. However if you are reluctant about getting involved you probably should remain quiet about it.

I have thought about remaining quiet for the reason you mentioned, but I know there are some others who feel the same way. I was thinking of requesting one mass per weekend that would have choral music, so those who prefer it could attend.

I know the choir works hard and I appreciate the work they put into it, but I just can’t appreciate the result! I don’t want to seem like a trouble maker, but I would like to stand up for people who prefer traditional music - we don’t have many options!

 

[Chatter163]

I think, to further this view, which I share, we should use, instead of “traditional music,” the term “artistically superior music.” That is certainly true, and it makes more sense in a real argument.

The problem that I see with that is that it leaves itself open to the inevitable de gustibus non est disputandum argument. I realize that the Church has set down guidelines for evaluating sacred music, but many people are unfamiliar with De Musica Sacra, and consider it merely a personal preference.

 

[YoungTradCath]

The problem that I see with that is that it leaves itself open to the inevitable de gustibus non est disputandum argument. I realize that the Church has set down guidelines for evaluating sacred music, but many people are unfamiliar with De Musica Sacra, and consider it merely a personal preference.

Then that’s their problem, and we should educate the ignorant.

 

[Splagchnizomai]

Your parish has most likely been working on this change in music for quite a while. It has probably been through all kinds of meetings with the Music Director and your Pastor – as well as rehearsals with the choir(s). Since you are outside of the “music ministry,” it’ll be tough to see and understand what has already happened and it’ll be difficult to change much.

Did you get new hymnals too? If so, you are probably a day late and a dollar short on this at your parish.

Pray for a change, meet with your music director, petition the priest, but keep in mind that the music will probably not change. Seek the Lord’s help in bearing your cross, and ask him for some ear plugs while you’re at it.

 

[Anna_Claire]

I have thought about remaining quiet for the reason you mentioned, but I know there are some others who feel the same way. I was thinking of requesting one mass per weekend that would have choral music, so those who prefer it could attend.

I know the choir works hard and I appreciate the work they put into it, but I just can’t appreciate the result! I don’t want to seem like a trouble maker, but I would like to stand up for people who prefer traditional music - we don’t have many options!

If you feel that strongly that’s a fair request. Best of luck.

 

[daisy_jones]

Your parish has most likely been working on this change in music for quite a while. It has probably been through all kinds of meetings with the Music Director and your Pastor – as well as rehearsals with the choir(s). Since you are outside of the “music ministry,” it’ll be tough to see and understand what has already happened and it’ll be difficult to change much.

Did you get new hymnals too? If so, you are probably a day late and a dollar short on this at your parish.

Pray for a change, meet with your music director, petition the priest, but keep in mind that the music will probably not change. Seek the Lord’s help in bearing your cross, and ask him for some ear plugs while you’re at it.

Thanks. We did get new hymnals, but the choir does not sing the music in them. It probably will not do anything, but I might ask for one mass to be traditional music - we shall see! Until then, ear plugs may work.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Thanks. We did get new hymnals, but the choir does not sing the music in them. It probably will not do anything, but I might ask for one mass to be traditional music - we shall see! Until then, ear plugs may work.

Do you know what the hymnal is called?

 

[Splagchnizomai]

Thanks. We did get new hymnals, but the choir does not sing the music in them.

That sounds odd. Parishes spend thousands of dollars on hymnals, and for the choir not to use it would be a colossal waste of money. I know that it sometimes takes a little while longer to get the choir editions of new hymnals than to get the pew editions. In the meantime, the choir will use the old choir editions till the new ones come it.

It probably will not do anything, but I might ask for one mass to be traditional music - we shall see!

Find others who support you. One request from one parishoner is a start, but you need a mass of folks. Pun intended.

Until then, ear plugs may work.

I pray that the Lord will provide you with them!

 

[daisy_jones]

That sounds odd. Parishes spend thousands of dollars on hymnals, and for the choir not to use it would be a colossal waste of money. I know that it sometimes takes a little while longer to get the choir editions of new hymnals than to get the pew editions. In the meantime, the choir will use the old choir editions till the new ones come it.

Find others who support you. One request from one parishoner is a start, but you need a mass of folks. Pun intended.

I pray that the Lord will provide you with them!

I should clarify - the choir does not use the new missals for the mass parts, but they do use them for the songs (with a guitar ). Sorry - I should have clarified that. I was thinking of getting some people on board with me before I make a request - it may be more effective than one person. Thanks for your suggestion!