EF Mass: High Mass and chants

[savedbychrist]

My understanding of the classification of High Mass (Missa Solemnis) and Low Mass (Missa Lecta) is based on the number of sacred ministers. The presence of deacon and subdeacon makes it a High Mass, otherwise it is a Low Mass. Therefore, even in a sung Mass (Missa Cantata) with all parts chanted and incensing, if the deacon and subdeacon are absent, it is still a Low Mass.

So my question is: must High Mass be chanted? Being the Missa “Solemnis”, it is surely encouraged to be fully chanted. But are they mandatory or merely preferred? Especially there are circumstances like a celebrant who is tone-deaf or ill, which he would be unable to chant the whole Mass. I remember in Padre Pio’s last Mass, he was also ill and fatigue, yet it was a High Mass, and he still chanted it.

 

[TomH1]

I believe a High Mass, a.k.a. Solemn Mass, which is the standard form of Mass in the EF, must be sung. In fact I have noticed when I have read about events in the past where there was a Solemn Mass it was very common to see written ‘The Bishop/Fr. X sang Mass’.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

A High Mass requires that most parts of the Mass be sung (chanted). This is actually the main distinguishing feature of a High Mass because the term “High Mass” can mean slightly different things in different countries, but in all places the term refers to a Mass where most parts are sung (chanted).

If the term High Mass is used to refer to Missa Solemnis (“Solemn Mass”), then in addition to the singing of most parts of the Mass, the priest is required to have two deacons assisting him (deacon and subdeacon) and to use incense.

In the USA, the term High Mass also can refer to Missa Cantata (“Sung Mass”) , where the priest sings (chants) most parts of the Mass but is not assisted by any deacons.

You can’t have either a Missa Solemnis or a Missa Cantata without the singing of most parts of the Mass. Those forms require the singing. If no singing, then the Mass would be a Low Mass.

I’m not sure whether a priest who is physically unable to sing would be able to celebrate the Missa Solemnis or Missa Cantata, maybe someone with more knowledge can answer that.