Offertory Hymn?

[Justin1224]

Ideally, when should the choir finish singing the offertory hymn?

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

This varies from parish to parish, but in our parish, the choir is asked to end the hymn at the lavabo (priest’s hand washing). If there is incense, the song or instrumental music should continue while the altar and people are incensed until the lavabo. Generally, if there is music at the Mass, the blessing of the gifts is done silently.

 

[liturgyluver]

Ideally, when should the choir finish singing the offertory hymn?

If it’s a hymn (as opposed to a Motet) everybody should be singing it, not just the choir! And the hymn should be sung until it is finished. Music directors should schedule hymns of appropraiate lengths for different parts of the liturgy. It’s not appropriate to abruptly end a hymn mid-flow.

 

[929dad]

As a music director, I think it’s my job at that point to let the music come to a natural conclusion as soon as is reasonable after the Priest finishes washing his hands. Sometimes that means I continue the song the congregation is singing instrumentally until the ritual action is completed.

There are times when the priest has a moment of waiting for the music to end. I’ve yet to hear a complaint from them about it. If I did, I’d change my practice.

 

[dconklin]

They should finish at the end of the song.

Sorry - had to.

 

[agapewolf]

And the hymn should be sung until it is finished. Music directors should schedule hymns of appropraiate lengths for different parts of the liturgy. It’s not appropriate to abruptly end a hymn mid-flow.

This doesn’t matter, as long as there is no theological splitting (such as singing 2 verses one each about father and son, but not about the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of the offertory song is to accompany the action, the song is not for the sake of itself.