Instruments used at mass

[twf]

I know the 'guitar debate" is old and can get passionate…but the reality is we all know the musical style from one parish to another, within any given diocese, varies wildly, from Evangelical praise and worship style “worship bands” (with electric guitars, steel drums, etc.) to traditional Gregorian chanting scholas - and everything in between. Vatican II was clear that not all instruments are suitable “for the temple” and that any given instrument must be explicitly approved by the competent authority. Let’s forget guitars for the moment - is anyone aware of a single instrument that actually is explicitly forbidden in any diocese? If not, does this text from an ecumenical council have any practical meaning?

SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM
120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.

But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.

 

[Regina7]

My priest forbids electric guitar during Mass, but the parish in the next town (same diocese) uses it frequently.

 

[Murmurs]

I don’t think any are so banned, no. Part of the reason I think is that what is culturally reverential or joyful (or whatever feeling one might think appropriate at Mass), in one place, might not be so elsewhere…so there has to be the openness to different things.

Though if wishing made it so…

I don’t mean guitars or tambourines in the slightest, despite whatever my own preferences might be (and I don’t think one is “more valid” a preference than the other…there’s room enough in the Church for us all, musically):

But I draw the line at bagpipes

 

[pianistclare]

Here we go…

 

[christofirst]

We absolutely draw the line with kazoos or paper combs!

Around here, it seems like if someone has a level of skill on nearly any instrument, they are welcome to offer their talent. And it is their level of skill as a musician that either enhances or detracts from that aspect of the Mass. A full drum kit, which is sometimes used here, can sound bombastic and overpoweringly clumsy, or it can blend in the background the way a jazz drummer can sometimes go practically unnoticed, while still moving the music along.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

I don’t think any are so banned, no. Part of the reason I think is that what is culturally reverential or joyful (or whatever feeling one might think appropriate at Mass), in one place, might not be so elsewhere…so there has to be the openness to different things.

Though if wishing made it so…

I don’t mean guitars or tambourines in the slightest, despite whatever my own preferences might be (and I don’t think one is “more valid” a preference than the other…there’s room enough in the Church for us all, musically):

But I draw the line at bagpipes

According to the “Instruction on Sacred Music” issued by Pope St. Pius X, and still in force today the piano, drums, cymbals, frivolous instruments are banned. Wind instruments are banned unless the local Ordinary grants permission for their use, bands are also banned.

VI. Organ and instruments

1. Although the music proper to the Church is purely vocal music, music with the accompaniment of the organ is also permitted. In some special cases, within due limits and with proper safeguards, other instruments may be allowed, but never without the special permission of the Ordinary, according to prescriptions of the Caeremoniale Episcoporum.

1. As the singing should always have the principal place, the organ or other instruments should merely sustain and never oppress it.

1. It is not permitted to have the chant preceded by long preludes or to interrupt it with intermezzo pieces.

1. The sound of the organ as an accompaniment to the chant in preludes, interludes, and the like must be not only governed by the special nature of the instrument, but must participate in all the qualities proper to sacred music as above enumerated.

1. The employment of the piano is forbidden in church, as is also that of noisy or frivolous instruments such as drums, cymbals, bells and the like.

1. It is strictly forbidden to have bands play in church, and only in special cases with the consent of the Ordinary will it be permissible to admit wind instruments, limited in number, judiciously used, and proportioned to the size of the placeprovided the composition and accompaniment be written in grave and suitable style, and conform in all respects to that proper to the organ.

1. In processions outside the church the Ordinary may give permission for a band, provided no profane pieces be executed. It would be desirable in such cases that the band confine itself to accompanying some spiritual canticle sung in Latin or in the vernacular by the singers and the pious associations which take part in the procession.

 

[pianistclare]

Our Archbishop permits those instruments that are played well.
Since most of the people that complain can’t play ANYTHING, then it’s left to the few professionals that want to volunteer.
Many parishes operate with only VOLUNTEERS…and the priests are just happy to have *something. *
The liturgy experts in the pews should remember:
most musicians at parishes are indeed volunteers
they do not live through any “audition” sort of experience
they have literally no budget or sheet music or books
they are given a small space to practice which is no where near the same acoustics as the church
they play what they can read
the people who show up vary from Mass to Mass…without saying they are going to be absent most of the time
certain priests like certain things, and promote those things, while disallowing other things
their opinion is the last one considered when remodeling or purchasing new sound equipment, organs, pianos, or microphones; everything is done based on price and who can sell it to the church
they are spoken to in a way that most people would find shocking and rude.

But it’s ok.
It’s all ok.
Because everyone knows everything about sacred music and parishes are SO WILLING to do what it takes to have a fine, trained musician in charge who actually knows liturgy.

nope.
whatever they can get for free is what happens in many places.
The musicians take the brunt of the rage.

 

[pianistclare]

I was having such a great morning until I saw this thread.

Thank God for all the nameless people who lead the music.

I wish them happiness, blessings, peace, no drama, and a budget.

 

[ProVobis]

But it’s ok.
It’s all ok.
Because everyone knows everything about sacred music and parishes are SO WILLING to do what it takes to have a fine, trained musician in charge who actually knows liturgy.

nope.
whatever they can get for free is what happens in many places.
The musicians take the brunt of the rage.

Sad to say but economies being what they are and what they will be for the forseeable future, I don’t see much improvement in this area.

 

[Murmurs]

According to the “Instruction on Sacred Music” issued by Pope St. Pius X, and still in force today the piano, drums, cymbals, frivolous instruments are banned. Wind instruments are banned unless the local Ordinary grants permission for their use, bands are also banned.

I won’t get into an argument about this - I do wonder, though, what on earth is a “frivolous instrument” ??

An organ can be used frivolously, after all. And a praise band can be a most moving and sacramentally appropriate expression.

It’s all partly a matter of preference and opinion and that’s fine - there is space surely for everyone here…I agree with Claire’s archbishop: when something is done well, it should be allowed. A terrible organist is as bad as a bad percussionist.

Pius X’s stipulations always amuse me anyway, because under them even the liturgical masses of Haydn or Mozart, or (were it an historically-informed rendition) of Renaissance masters like Monteverdi, would all be consigned to the scrap heap or at best limited to the concert hall, because they might contain drums.

Whatever our own predilections, to confine the celebration and accompaniment of the Mass to the personal preferences of a man who departed this life in 1914, is utterly insane, IMO. The pomposity of self-appointed experts (including those whom we recognise to be saints), is stupefying. Let’s just support those who are so willing to give up their time, often with no recompense and very often (as threads like this make clear), no thanks.

God bless all our church musicians.