Classical Music Masses

[CTBcin]

I would rather have a piano at Mass than an orchestra!

A “classical music” setting of the Mass doesn’t necessarily = orchestra. The composers I listed all have works that can be played solely with an organ and choir.

 

[CTBcin]

So how is a solo singing at Mass different from a solo performance? Is solo singing at Mass an American thing perhaps?

A solo at the appropriate time can be a wonderful meditation. The offertory and especially communion are great times for a solo. For example, a solo on “Panis Angelicus” during communion would be perfect as a mediation on the Eucharist.

Why do you think that having a soloist automatically equals performance? Most parishes I’ve been in that use soloists simply don’t have enough skilled singers for a full choir. Whether a soloist is performing or not depends more on intent. It would be a performance if the soloist was standing in front of the altar with a microphone and the whole Mass was being stopped just to listen to the soloist sing. But most soloists sing from the choir loft (if available) and are trying to add a meditative and prayerful quality to a part of the Mass.

 

[dochawk]

So how is a solo singing at Mass different from a solo performance?

A single person can lead the congregation in singing without performing. There’s a huge difference . . .

 

[VanitasVanitatum]

I’m guessing melisimas could be allowed since their used in chant, but it’s more of an ornamentation.

 

[VanitasVanitatum]

The Lutherans had chorals in their music like Bach and there was much solo singing wothin Catholic music of the same time period like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Haydn. Depending on the mood of the piece it could be appropriate at Mass.

 

[jesusmademe]

I’d like to hear the congregation sing Ave Maria together.
On the other hand Marian devotions are not for Mass so maybe not.

 

[jeannetherese]

Hi jesusmademe,
We just celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary. During Mass, we sang several Marian hymns. I’ve heard the Ave Maria sung as a meditative hymn but, like you, not by the congregation as a whole. Maybe someday. (Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[jesusmademe]

Which version of Ave Maria is meditative?