What does “in organum” mean? Thank you…
In the most simple of definitions, the “cantus,” or melody of the chant is also sung simultaneously in absolute parallel motion at the interval of either a perfect fourth or perfect fifth. Organum among other vocal novelties or embellishments such as drones, isons and such evolved roughly circa the 8th and 9th centuries in monasteries of varying rites and chant traditions.
And last but not least…I have advent questions…do we stop singing the Gloria during Advent, but it is sung then starting again on Christmas Vigil?
Are we leaving in “sacred silence” during Christmas Vigil?
Anything else that is different about music during Advent?
Yes, the Glory is restored at the Vigil(s) of Christmas.
There is no legislation for any and all music that may or may not occur after the dismissal and response. For comparison’s sake, one could retire a dismissal hymn and have an organ or instrumental ensemble “postlude” of a subdued nature for Advent, whereas dismissing to absolute silence during Lent would be a more profound expression of the nature of that season.
For the “different music” question, not really save for the prominence of more carol-like hymns such as “People look east.” Advent hymnody for many automatically calls forth a perceived need to start singing “Veni, veni Emmanuel/O come, O come Emmmanuel” from the first through fourth Sundays. But as the third Sunday has still some vestigial memory through the “pink/rose” candle on the wreath as being associated with what was traditionally called GAUDETE Sunday, the use of that venerable medieval carol ought to be considered a lovely option or even priority. Even Bob Hurd included it on his collection UBI CARITAS. Contemporary ensembles could manage the antiphon at least; the verses may be more of a challenge, but a worthy one. But the real point is to inform both musicians and laity/clergy that each Sunday’s Introit proper, like GAUDETE, assigns a definite character and continuity throughout the whole Mass, particularly in the three processions. So, planning choices for the Entrance/Introit, Offertory and Communio might benefit more by zeroing in on those direct texts from the Missal and using them from the various vernacular or Latin sources, or text/hymn allusions.
Making those subtle shifts away from singing things like “O come” or “Soon and very soon” or such would be an improvement from the weaker options. If the decider must program with an eye toward scriptural themes such as the Baptist or BVM, let that occur at the Offertory as the so-called “hymn of the day.”
Regarding the notion of “propers,” these extend well beyond the three processions, the gradual/psalm/tract, the alleluia and versicles, sequences and such. In practice, all texts that are orated such as collects, prefaces, blessings and such are proper to that calendar date. I’m sure I’m missing a few key points.
