Low Mass, high Mass, etc, and their differences

[TBolt1000T]

I’d like to know what all the levels of Mass in the Extraordinary Form are, such as low Mass, high Mass, etc, and the differences between each one. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, are there different levels in the Ordinary Form? Thanks.

 

[ProVobis]

This may answer some of your questions on the Extraordinary Form:

Q: What’s the difference between Low Mass and High Mass?

A: A High Mass is sung. There may be singing during Low Mass, but the Mass itself isn’t sung—the priest doesn’t sing any of his parts, and the choir doesn’t sing any of the actual texts of the Mass. The posture of the congregation also differs. If unsure whether to stand, sit, or kneel, it’s best to follow the lead of those around you. (If everyone’s equally confused, taking your cue from the altar server is usually a safe bet!)

Q: Are there different types of High Masses?

A: Yes. In the United States, the term High Mass may indicate either a Missa cantata (Sung Mass) or a Missa solemnis (Solemn Mass); in other English-speaking countries, it may always indicate the latter. At a Solemn High Mass, the celebrant is assisted by a deacon and subdeacon, a master of ceremonies, and a number of servers, and incense is always used. Incense may be used at a Sung Mass as well. A Pontifical High Mass (or Solemn Pontifical Mass) is celebrated by a bishop and requires even more ministers than a Solemn High Mass.

Q: Are there different types of Low Masses too?

A: Not exactly, but the degree of vocal participation by the congregation varies. The responses may be made by the altar server alone. When the congregation says the responses with the server, this is known as a Dialogue Mass.

unavocenorthernalabama.com/site/faq.html

 

[TBolt1000T]

So the only difference between a high Mass and a solemn high Mass is the number of servers, etc? Back in August, on the Feast of the Assumption, the EF at my parish was a solemn high Mass, and there seemed to be a lot more singing from the choir than usual, and that’s what got my curiosity up on this subject.

 

[corsair]

A Solemn High Mass is celebrated with a priest, a deacon, subdeacon, and as many as 11 Altar boys, I have even seen upto 13 Altar boys. There would probably be a Master of Ceremonies. The priest sings the Mass. There will be the Aspereges (sung), the priest will change out of the cope and into the chasuble. Then to the prayers at the foot of the altar.

If a Bishop is celebrating or presiding from the “Throne” at the Mass, it can be a Pontifical Solemn High Mass so we add at least two more Altar boys or priests to assist the Bishop.

There is also a Pontifical low Mass.

The choir will normally have several pieces of Sacred polyphony prepared for the celebration. The propers and ordinary is all sung (chanted). Many times the Knights of Columbus will process in as an Honor Guard for the clergy. The whole celebration is really very impressive and grand.

Low Mass is noted by its silence and time for contemplation. The priest and Altar boy(s) enter from the Sacristy.There needs to be at least one altar boy, unless it is a private Mass. Then the priest can celebrate alone.

A High Mass can be relatively simple; priest and several altar boys and a choir to chant or it can be rather ornate with lots of altar boys, incense, chant and Sacred polyphony.

There are many options for the EF although not as many as for the OF.

I have seen the OF done very ornately. Both Ad Orientum, in Latin and in english. Then again most of us have seen the very “vanilla” flavored variety, too

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Also, are there different levels in the Ordinary Form?

There are no formal distinctions as there are in the Extraordinary Form. In you read the GIRM, for example a deacon can assist at any Mass, incense can be used at any Mass, various parts of the Mass can be sung or said at any Mass. Of course, we see differences of solemnity but as I said earlier there’s no formal grades in the Ordinary Form.

 

[TBolt1000T]

Thanks for the description of the solemn high Mass.

I was digging through some recordings last night, and I found the little bit of the solemn high Mass I recorded from a side chapel while I was waiting for my bus. I realized that the reason it seemed so different as far as the singing went, was because instead of chanting the Kyrie, Gloria, etc, it was all sung in sacred polyphony. Someone, I believe one of the priests who was there that day, has a video of a little bit of that Mass on YouTube.
youtube.com/watch?v=xMrZ39QeKgY&fmt=18
The anthem heard later in the video sounds more modern, but the Kyrie, Gloria, etc that were on my recording sounded like either Palestrina or Hassler. I hope we have another solemn high Mass soon!

 

[Skeptic92]

There is also Requiem, a Solemn Requiem Mass is a High mass for the Dead, usually used as the Funeral Rite, with slightly different prayers, and the coffin (in the case of Masses of Remembrance there is no actual body, but it is a symbol of all the faithful departed.

 

[ProVobis]

Add to that a Tridentine Nuptial Mass.

youtube.com/watch?v=4uXURX5y4eE