High/Low Mass?

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Can anyone explain the difference to me?
One of the best ways to become familiar with the differences between a (Solemn) High Mass (Missa Solemnis) and a Low Mass (Missa Privata) is to see each with your own eyes.

Youtube has some great videos that can clearly show you the difference.

Low Mass - Here

High Mass - Here
 
“High mass” originally meant it was celebrated (for the most part) in a high–that is, sung–voice.

“Low Mass” is called “missa privata” in Latin–a mass deprived of its ceremonies of music and incense.
 
Quick and simple answer is that a High Mass is chanted or sung; a Low Mass is spoken, without any extras such as incense and so on.
 
Is this only for the Latin Mass, or for every Mass? At my parish, Monsignor uses incense and sings almost all of the Mass every Sunday. Is this considered a “High” Mass?
 
In simple terms:

A High Mass is sung and has loads of pomp and ceremony.

A Low Mass has only the basics and is stripped of any ceremonial aspects such as incence and Asperges. It is very basic with no music and no singing. I hate to say it but it can be boring.

I attend a Missa Cantata which is a combination of the above. I has more ceremonial aspects than a Low Mass but not as much as a High Mass. It is sung and has incense and Asperges etc. The Priest does not need as many celebrate this Mass. I love the Missa Cantata because it has Gregorian Chant and most of the “extras” that are missing from the Low Mass. I recommend this type of Latin Mass to everyone.
 
It is important that the distinction between High and Low Mass are not applicable to the Mass of Paul VI (Novus Ordo). Before Paul codified the new order of Mass, High Mass was sung and was far more solemn. Low Mass was primarily spoken and involved less music. A High Mass generally involved a choir where a Low Mass could easily be done with organ only.

Solemn High Mass was when a Deacon and Sub-Deacon were present. Solemn High Pontifical Mass was a Solemn High Mass where a Bishop or Abbot was the celebrant.

In the Novus Ordo of Paul VI, the only real distinctions are practical. While there is no name difference, there are usually clear distinction between Masses on Ferial Days (generally using only two scripture readings) and Feasts and Solemnities (generally three scripture readings). Many parishes offer at least one of what could be considered a type of “Low Mass” on Sundays, usually with little or no music, often earlier in the morning. However, other than music, there are no real differences in the Sunday Liturgies. These types of Masses are generally discouraged, as many simply attend those Masses because they are the shortest.

I kind of digressed a bit into rankings of days, but to answer your question very simply, unless you are attending a Mass in the Extraordinary Usage (which I think everyone should do on occasion), the terms High and Low Mass do not pertain to you.

Adam
 
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