Music during Advent

[japhy]

For the past few months at my parish, either our director of music (organist/pianist) or his assistant (pianist) has been playing some non-sacred music on the piano before Mass. Usually Claire de Lune. This morning, it was something else; as my wife and I entered the nave, she said to me “it’s cocktail hour”.

The song the assistant was playing was rather loud, very busy, and impossible for me to ignore. And when he finished, people clapped. He might have taken a bow after he stood up when he was done.

It’s so unnecessary, inappropriate, distracting to prayer, and, during Advent, not permitted.

In 1958, liturgical law for the Roman Rite was “the playing of the organ, and all other instruments is forbidden for liturgical functions, except Benediction, during … Advent, from first Vespers of the first Sunday of Advent until None of the Vigil of Christmas … However … the following exceptions to the rule may be made: … the organ only (including the harmonium or reed organ) may be used on the third Sunday of Advent …” (De Musica Sacra, n. 81, 83)

Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was silent on this issue, in case anyone was wondering. And the post-Vatican II document on music, Musicam Sacram (from 1967), did not change this legislation.

The current liturgical legislation says that, during Advent, “the organ and other musical instruments should be used with a moderation that is consistent with the season’s character and does not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.” (GIRM 313)

That is not what I encountered today. And I doubt I will unless I speak up. So I will. Charitably, as best I can…

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Perhaps your music director does not understand the Church’s liturgical cycle and the reserve that is called for in this season.

I absolutely love Advent, the sense of hushed waiting and expectation. Perhaps you can gently convey this to him.

 

[Phemie]

For the past few months at my parish, either our director of music (organist/pianist) or his assistant (pianist) has been playing some non-sacred music on the piano before Mass. Usually Claire de Lune. This morning, it was something else; as my wife and I entered the nave, she said to me “it’s cocktail hour”.

The song the assistant was playing was rather loud, very busy, and impossible for me to ignore. And when he finished, people clapped.

Tip jar on the piano?

 

[japhy]

Tip jar on the piano?

The thought had crossed my mind to stop by the piano after Mass with a buck. But then I decided I’d rather not have to mention that at confession.

 

[benedictgal]

We’ve been having this discussion in a thread called “Music”. Inasmuch as the GIRM notes what you quoted, Musicam Sacram makes this interersting reference:

1. In sung or said Masses, the organ, or other instrument legitimately admitted, can be used to accompany the singing of the choir and the people; it can also be played solo at the beginning before the priest reaches the altar, at the Offertory, at the Communion, and at the end of Mass.

The same rule, with the necessary adaptations, can be applied to other sacred celebrations.

66. The playing of these same instruments as solos is not permitted in Advent, Lent, during the Sacred Triduum and in the Offices and Masses of the Dead.

Last night at the Cathedral, the organist, a 35-year veteran who likes to play solos during the offertory (after the hymn has been sung) refrained from doing so.

 

[Cat]

For the past few months at my parish, either our director of music (organist/pianist) or his assistant (pianist) has been playing some non-sacred music on the piano before Mass. Usually Claire de Lune. This morning, it was something else; as my wife and I entered the nave, she said to me “it’s cocktail hour”.

The song the assistant was playing was rather loud, very busy, and impossible for me to ignore. And when he finished, people clapped. He might have taken a bow after he stood up when he was done.

It’s so unnecessary, inappropriate, distracting to prayer, and, during Advent, not permitted.

In 1958, liturgical law for the Roman Rite was “the playing of the organ, and all other instruments is forbidden for liturgical functions, except Benediction, during … Advent, from first Vespers of the first Sunday of Advent until None of the Vigil of Christmas … However … the following exceptions to the rule may be made: … the organ only (including the harmonium or reed organ) may be used on the third Sunday of Advent …” (De Musica Sacra, n. 81, 83)

Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was silent on this issue, in case anyone was wondering. And the post-Vatican II document on music, Musicam Sacram (from 1967), did not change this legislation.

The current liturgical legislation says that, during Advent, “the organ and other musical instruments should be used with a moderation that is consistent with the season’s character and does not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.” (GIRM 313)

That is not what I encountered today. And I doubt I will unless I speak up. So I will. Charitably, as best I can…

Have you considered asking the instrumentalists the name of the pieces? Perhaps they are sacred pieces by a composer who writes sacred music in a more modern style (e.g., Rutter), or perhaps they are pieces from a composer who is from a different ethnic background. It would be good if you could find out. The composer might be presenting the Gospel or another message of faith through his/her piece, and you could possibly read his/her notes about his/her piece.

Also remember that while you personally don’t like certain pieces, others in the parish may be profoundly moved by the music. The Holy Spirit can use all kinds of musical styles and pieces to lead people to deeper faith.

I ASKED our priest this morning if it was OK to play a prelude before Mass, and he said, “Yes.” According to the quote that benedictgal posted, it is appropriate for an instrument to be played solo at certain times during Mass. (I played a very traditional piano arrangement of “How Beautiful Are The Feet of Them” from Handel’s Messiah, in case anyone’s wondering).

 

[benedictgal]

Have you considered asking the instrumentalists the name of the pieces? Perhaps they are sacred pieces by a composer who writes sacred music in a more modern style (e.g., Rutter), or perhaps they are pieces from a composer who is from a different ethnic background. It would be good if you could find out. The composer might be presenting the Gospel or another message of faith through his/her piece, and you could possibly read his/her notes about his/her piece.

Also remember that while you personally don’t like certain pieces, others in the parish may be profoundly moved by the music. The Holy Spirit can use all kinds of musical styles and pieces to lead people to deeper faith.

I ASKED our priest this morning if it was OK to play a prelude before Mass, and he said, “Yes.” According to the quote that benedictgal posted, it is appropriate for an instrument to be played solo at certain times during Mass. (I played a very traditional piano arrangement of “How Beautiful Are The Feet of Them” from Handel’s Messiah, in case anyone’s wondering).

However, you will note what I bolded in my previous post:

66. The playing of these same instruments as solos is not permitted in Advent, Lent, during the Sacred Triduum and in the Offices and Masses of the Dead.

That is the reference that certainly applies to what japhy described.

 

[Frosty]

1. The playing of these same instruments as solos is not permitted in Advent, Lent, during the Sacred Triduum and in the Offices and Masses of the Dead

.

Perhaps I am being a bit dense here, but since the OP stated that the piano solo was performed before the Mass actually began, I fail to see how this quote applies. I do realize that solos are not permitted during the actual Mass itself so that isn’t an issue for me. But before Mass?

 

[japhy]

Have you considered asking the instrumentalists the name of the pieces? Perhaps they are sacred pieces by a composer who writes sacred music in a more modern style (e.g., Rutter), or perhaps they are pieces from a composer who is from a different ethnic background. It would be good if you could find out.

I’ll ask him what was played today. But most of the time, it’s Claire de freakin’ Lune. Not sacred music.

Also remember that while you personally don’t like certain pieces, others in the parish may be profoundly moved by the music. The Holy Spirit can use all kinds of musical styles and pieces to lead people to deeper faith.

Sacred music is proper to the liturgy. While there may be some leeway for preludes and postludes (which aren’t part of the liturgy), I see no reason to avoid the enormous repertoire of sacred music (and replace it with performances of secular pieces).

 

[Cat]

I’ll ask him what was played today. But most of the time, it’s Claire de freakin’ Lune. Not sacred music.

Sacred music is proper to the liturgy. While there may be some leeway for preludes and postludes (which aren’t part of the liturgy), I see no reason to avoid the enormous repertoire of sacred music (and replace it with performances of secular pieces).

Actually, it’s kind of hard to find good arrangements of Catholic hymns for solo piano. I can find choral pieces with piano accompaniments, and I often adapt these for preludes. They sound a little lame to me as a pianist, but I’m sure many parishioners don’t notice the deficiencies.

I would love to find more challenging piano solo versions of Catholic hymns, both traditional and modern, to play as preludes and postludes. I’m even willing to practice! But I don’t seem to find these in my local music stores.

And BTW, when I say, “solo piano,” I am not referring to a concert hall atmosphere where I come out in an evening gown, sit down at a grand piano with candleabra, spend several minutes cranking my bench up and down, and then amaze the audience with my virtuousity.

What I mean is a piece that is arranged for piano alone, not an accompaniment. I know this is allowed in Catholic Mass for preludes and postludes.

And BTW, since I don’t play organ, I don’t have access to a library of traditional Catholic organ music, and if I did, I would have a difficult time adapting it for solo piano. I’ve tried with Protestant organ arrangements–ick. Sounds even lamer than using choral accompaniments.

One more thing–piano music is frickin’ expensive. A book of 8 pieces can cost thirty dollars, and usually some of those pieces are not that well done. So it may be that your “debussy-loving” pianist is trying to make-do with what he/she has in his/her music library. And like I said earlier, he/she may have looked, but not found any good Catholic hymn piano arrangements.

 

[PaixGioiaAmor]

I don’t find Claire De Lune to be any more inappropriate than any of the Bach “Preludes” or “Fuges”. It’s instrumental music. Call it what you want.

This can be a slippery slope. At least he/she wasn’t playing jazz music. Now THAT would be lounge music.

 

[japhy]

Actually, it’s kind of hard to find good arrangements of Catholic hymns for solo piano.

We have an organ in addition to the piano. Our director of music can play the organ. My best guess is that the organ is used for two songs at most during Mass, and the piano is used for the rest. I don’t think I’ve ever heard soft music played on the organ before Mass.

And BTW, since I don’t play organ, I don’t have access to a library of traditional Catholic organ music, and if I did, I would have a difficult time adapting it for solo piano.

Because organ music is meant for the organ. And there is a wealth of traditional Catholic organ music. I would bet a fair share of it is free domain, but I can’t back that claim up.

One more thing–piano music is frickin’ expensive. A book of 8 pieces can cost thirty dollars, and usually some of those pieces are not that well done. So it may be that your “debussy-loving” pianist is trying to make-do with what he/she has in his/her music library.

Another reason to consider the organ.

 

[japhy]

I don’t find Claire De Lune to be any more inappropriate than any of the Bach “Preludes” or “Fuges”. It’s instrumental music. Call it what you want.

It doesn’t matter that it’s instrumental. I’ll call it secular music, because that’s what it is. It’s not sacred music. It’s especially inappropriate during Advent (and Lent).

This can be a slippery slope. At least he/she wasn’t playing jazz music. Now THAT would be lounge music.

Oh, be fair. Not all jazz is played in lounges. I’m sure “Chameleon” arranged for the piano would be lovely.

 

[DiZent]

We’re using a piece called Warm the Time of Winter as the Opening hymn, Advent Candle lighting & Kyrie. I don’t usually complain about the music, but I really don’t like this one.

 

[MusicMan]

As with many things, this does run the risk of a slippery slope. What is appropriate? What isn’t? Would a Bach Prelude & Fugue be a problem? I’d argue yes, because not only was Bach a Lutheran, he was one of the first Lutheran composers to gain prominence. Unfortunately, I like his music enough and as a music education believe them to be of historical significance, that I’d play them anyway.

However, what about Au Claire de la Lune? At least in the case of a Bach Prelude, it was written for the Sacred. Debussy was not writing for the Sacred.

What about music from the Lorenz The Organist? Some of the music sounds … well … pull out the drawbars and strike up the drumset – Let’s Dance. Yet, it’s written for the Sacred, even though it strikes me as a very Protestant-oriented publication. Should it be avoided?

Questions… no answers.

We’re using a piece called Warm the Time of Winter as the Opening hymn, Advent Candle lighting & Kyrie. I don’t usually complain about the music, but I really don’t like this one.

Bleh. My church uses it too, and I choke on my sense of musical aesthetics every time I have to play it. I’ve argued with my pastor (in charity), but to no avail. Play it or be benched for Advent.

 

[pnewton]

I agree with the sentiment, but as long as it was before Mass and not in the context of a Mass, I do not believe any rule was broken, liutrgically, at least.

 

[Sarabande]

Difference between something like Debussy’s “Clair de lune” and something like Bach’s “Fugue in D-Major”, as it was once explained to me by an excellent organist who is also an excellent classical pianist and tries his best to be as true to using appropriate music for liturgy.

Ex - “Clair de lune”, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”, “Traumerie”, etc. if you notice, these are all works that are named to express something secular - “Moonlight”, “A Little Night Music”, “Dreaming”. These and other pieces with titles such as these are expressing a state of being, a natural event, a party, etc. They are to bring you to feeling those expressions.

There are many sacred instrumental works especially for the organ in which the titles of the works will express something religious. For instance, our organist will play a beautiful French piece about the Virgin and the baby Jesus. The composer and title escapes me at the moment. There is also a work called “Via Crucis” by Liszt (he composed it for both the organ AND the piano) in which there are “solo” instrumental movements for certain stations of the cross and then movements with choir/soloist and instruments. You find more pieces like these during Christmas, Advent, Easter and Lent.

On the other hand pieces that are entitled to represent that type of piece it is - for instance a fugue or that it is meant to be a prelude, etc. are considered “Absolute Music” - music without any sacred OR secular connotation and can be acceptable depending on how it is composed and used either before, during or after mass.

Then there are the works which MusicMan related that were written as sacred music. But like with vocal sacred music throughout the centuries, there have also been instrumental sacred music which really aren’t appropriate as they were composed to sound to secular and really shouldn’t be played during mass. (Verdi’s “Requiem” was played for requiem masses when it was first composed. Now, it would not even be considered to be used as a sacred piece of music because it is so operatic in nature - gorgeous but way too secular in sound.)

 

[MusicMan]

There really is only one thing I can say for certain – it’s tough to be a pastoral musician these days and keep all you little cherubs happy.

 

[Sarabande]

There really is only one thing I can say for certain – it’s tough to be a pastoral musician these days and keep all you little cherubs happy.

That’s true. We can say that it was more cut and dried in the past, but even then there were things like this going on. If it’s any comfort to any of us who are part of music liturgy, this isn’t anything new - just a little more complicated because so much more has been accepted into mass before they went through any filters at all.

 

[Guitar]

Because organ music is meant for the organ. And there is a wealth of traditional Catholic organ music. I would bet a fair share of it is free domain, but I can’t back that claim up.

Another reason to consider the organ.

Now you, young man, have obviously never ventured into an organ sheet music department with credit card in hand.

Phooo-ee, if Cat thinks piano music is expensive … I am astonished every time I go shopping at the prices being asked for bog-standard pieces that every organist the world over has in their repertoire - try $30 for a single piece!

There is some free music out there but it’s all over the place and of varying quality, a lot of it being individuals’ transcriptions and so forth. I wouldn’t want to be trying to build a systematic organ library that way.