LOTH -- Hymns

[MusicMan]

In private (or even family) praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, what does one do about the hymns? I sort of feel silly singing them a capella in my home, but I’m not sure what to do. At Mass, there is the option of an “Entrance Antiphon” if no Entrance Hymn is sung. Is there a similar option for the LOTH?

 

[porthos11]

In private (or even family) praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, what does one do about the hymns? I sort of feel silly singing them a capella in my home, but I’m not sure what to do. At Mass, there is the option of an “Entrance Antiphon” if no Entrance Hymn is sung. Is there a similar option for the LOTH?

Sing them a capella, like many of us do, and do not feel silly; it is actually the right thing to do. Most of the hymns use melodies suitable for unaccompanied singing. Besides, a capella singing has been always part of the Church’s musical heritage.

The hymn is integral to the LOTH, and must not be omitted. There is, however a possibility. At the back of the 4-volume LOTH books, there is a set of poems designed to be recited. I believe these can serve as substitutes for hymns. Or you can also just opt to recite the hymns themselves and not sing them.

 

[THutch04]

In private (or even family) praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, what does one do about the hymns? I sort of feel silly singing them a capella in my home, but I’m not sure what to do. At Mass, there is the option of an “Entrance Antiphon” if no Entrance Hymn is sung. Is there a similar option for the LOTH?

Oh my goodness I always sing the hymns a capella. Hehe then again, I was a choir girl…I look for excuses to sing You probably could just recite them though.

 

[drforjc]

Aren’t the “official” hymns for LOTH, though, the Latin ones in the typical edition, and the English ones in the ICEL edition basically “approved substitutes?” I can’t imagine that the Church has somehow “canonized” Lucien Deiss’ (with his antiphonal hymns that no one knows the tune for anyway) or Gabe Huck’s (at Night Prayer) compositions.

 

[AJV]

Aren’t the “official” hymns for LOTH, though, the Latin ones in the typical edition, and the English ones in the ICEL edition basically “approved substitutes?” I can’t imagine that the Church has somehow “canonized” Lucien Deiss’ (with his antiphonal hymns that no one knows the tune for anyway) or Gabe Huck’s (at Night Prayer) compositions.

:yup:

I’m trying to put together English translations of the hymns in the Latin version. It’s a pity because many of the Latin hymns are quite rich and certain saints even have proper hymns in the Latin which are missed out in the English.

 

[Sam88]

Is there a collection anywhere of recordings for the Hymns in the English translation? I’m referring to the edition called “Christian Prayer”. I have never heard a large majority of the hymns before, so I usually recite the lyrics. I sing if I am familiar with the hymn and no one else is around.

 

[Joysong]

EWTN used to have the LOTH on line, and I am puzzled why they removed this, as it was very helpful. The persons who recorded the morning and evening prayer always recited the entrance hymn. It was not sung. I believe recitation rather than singing is ok, for I have always done this, except when in community prayer. At those times, we sing it.

 

[Orionthehunter]

It is totally appropriate to recite them. While at my silent men’s retreat (25 off tune guys trying to sing it w/o music is probably blasphemous at best ), we try to recite it w/ a “musical” cadence.

 

[porthos11]

I can’t imagine that the Church has somehow “canonized” Lucien Deiss’ (with his antiphonal hymns that no one knows the tune for anyway)

Oh, imagine it, all right Deiss has a few compositions in the LOTH (not too many though). They are indeed harder to sing, and if there’s an option, I usually try to avoid his hymns.

They are, however, approved for the US edition.

 

[porthos11]

:yup:

I’m trying to put together English translations of the hymns in the Latin version. It’s a pity because many of the Latin hymns are quite rich and certain saints even have proper hymns in the Latin which are missed out in the English.

If ever you get to completing this, please have it approved by the USCCB so that everybody can benefit from it.

 

[AuntMartha]

I sing them a capella. It’s a good way to improve sightreading! But if one doesn’t sound right, I will often go over to the piano and play the melody along with singing just to learn it.

 

[Sabda]

In private (or even family) praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, what does one do about the hymns? I sort of feel silly singing them a capella in my home, but I’m not sure what to do. At Mass, there is the option of an “Entrance Antiphon” if no Entrance Hymn is sung. Is there a similar option for the LOTH?

At our parish EVERY Mass is a capella.
Since I started going there I find that when I go to my mom’s parish the choir and organ are really distracting.

 

[puzzleannie]

when I am by myself I have instrumental hymns playing in the background, and if it is one I know I may sing along, or just skip it. If it is a seasonal hymn, advent etc., I just read the words like any psalm.

In groups we sing something for the season that everyone knows a capella (the entire hymn), usually not the suggested one since nobody knows it.

 

[CarolAnnSFO]

I often have to recite the hymns. I have the one-volume “Christian Prayer”, and while I understand the regular-type edition does have a line or two of music for each hymn, the large-type edition I use does not, so I can only sing the ones I already know (or the ones that fit some other hymn music that I already know).