Organ music played through Canon at TLM

[CarrieH]

I am the organist for our parish’s TLM. Father, who is a fine organist himself, has asked rather insistently for me to play softly during the Canon, from the end of the Sanctus through “per omnia saecula saeculorum” before the Pater Noster, and he says that this not a liturgical abuse. I am opposed, believing that the Canon should be a time of silence, never mind my personal issues of added work for myself as a volunteer musician and the fact that I am not yet advanced enough in my skills that I can pray and play at the same time! Opinions, please?

 

[James0235]

I am the organist for our parish’s TLM. Father, who is a fine organist himself, has asked rather insistently for me to play softly during the Canon, from the end of the Sanctus through “per omnia saecula saeculorum” before the Pater Noster, and he says that this not a liturgical abuse. I am opposed, believing that the Canon should be a time of silence, never mind my personal issues of added work for myself as a volunteer musician and the fact that I am not yet advanced enough in my skills that I can pray and play at the same time! Opinions, please?

The GIRM (32) and Redemptionis Sacramentum (53) both prohibit singing or the use of instruments during the Canon. I am sure there have been other prohibitions as well. But, these only specifically apply to the Ordinary Form.

In 1967 Musicam Sacram declared that:

**The use of musical instruments to accompany the singing can act as a support to the voices, render participation easier, and achieve a deeper union in the assembly. However, their sound should not so overwhelm the voices that it is difficult to make out the text; and when some part is proclaimed aloud by the priest or a minister by virtue of his role, they should be silent.

Musicam Sacram 64**

At the time this would have applied to what is now known as the Extraordinary Form. But, I believe that Quattuor Abhinc Annos (1984), Ecclesia Dei (1988), and Summorum Pontificum (2007) all require the EF to be celebrated according to the 1962 Missal without any of the changes that occured between 1965 and 1967.

So, unless there is a specific prohibition (I can’t seem to think of one), your priest might just be right. It might not technically be a Liturgical abuse. I don’t particularly like it much. And I believe that one might be able to argue that it is prohibited in spirit if not actually in law.

James

 

[603304529]

I can’t provide any documents to back me up, but from personal experience, having attended many many tridentine Mass’, celebrated by priests that may or may not be in full communion with Rome, but nevertheless have never, ever, been accused of even the tiniest liturgical abuse, I can say that playing something like Pachebel’s Canon in D, during the canon of the Mass, is absolutely fine.

Mick

 

[AlexB]

There is a class of compositions called “elevations”, which are expressly meant to be played after the consecration in the Canon. While this is not universally done in the EF, it is not rare.

Here is an example of a EF music listing that includes elevation music.

There was also a tradition of postponing the singing of a lengthy polyphonic Benedictus of the Sanctus until after the consecration. Thus, the notion of music of some sort during the second half of the Canon was not unheard-of.

 

[AJV]

De Musica Sacra (1958) deals with this as follows:

14(c) …Between the Consecration, and the Pater noster a holy silence is fitting.

27 (e) During the Consecration, the singing must stop, and there should be no playing of instruments; if this has been the custom, it should be discontinued.

(f) Between the Consecration, and the Pater Noster a devout silence is recommended.

1. In this regard, it must be noted that if any local custom of playing the organ during low Mass might interfere with the participation of the faithful, either by common prayer or song, the custom is to be abolished. This applies not only to the organ, but also to the harmonium or any other musical instrument which is played without interruption. Therefore, in such Masses, there should be no instrumental music at the following times:…(c) From the Consecration until the Pater Noster, where the custom obtains.

My personal opinion would be that silence plays an important role in the Traditional Mass, especially during the Canon.

 

[CarrieH]

There is a class of compositions called “elevations”, which are expressly meant to be played after the consecration in the Canon. While this is not universally done in the EF, it is not rare.

Here is an example of a EF music listing that includes elevation music.

There was also a tradition of postponing the singing of a lengthy polyphonic Benedictus of the Sanctus until after the consecration. Thus, the notion of music of some sort during the second half of the Canon was not unheard-of.

Interesting. I have seen some organ compositions with “elevation” movements, but since I had always attended the OF Mass until recently, I never knew what these were for. As long as it’s acceptable to play and Father is so keen on it, I guess I’ll follow his wishes and play something (and hope that enough people complain to change his mind!).

 

[CarrieH]

My personal opinion would be that silence plays an important role in the Traditional Mass, especially during the Canon.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, I googled the “De Musica Sacra” document and found it, and I’ll print it off and have a pow-wow with Father about this. Thank you!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

,. . .

There was also a tradition of postponing the singing of a lengthy polyphonic Benedictus of the Sanctus until after the consecration. Thus, the notion of music of some sort during the second half of the Canon was not unheard-of.

In sung masses the first half of the Sanctus usually lasted until the Consecration; there was silence for the consecration; and the Benedictus was sung up to the Pater Noster. [My wife was a choir director. It was tricky to time those right, because celebrants were easily upset if they had to wait. ]

 

[CarrieH]

In sung masses the first half of the Sanctus usually lasted until the Consecration; there was silence for the consecration; and the Benedictus was sung up to the Pater Noster. [My wife was a choir director. It was tricky to time those right, because celebrants were easily upset if they had to wait. ]

My priest, being an organist himself, told me once that he would rather stand there and wait for me to finish what I’m playing than to not have enough music. I don’t think the congregation would agree, however! This same priest will occasionally request such pieces as the Bach Passacaglia in c minor. :bigyikes: I want to tell him, "Father, if I could play stuff like that, I certainly wouldn’t be hanging around here playing for free – I’d be over at the rich-folks’ Episcopal church playing for money!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

My priest, being an organist himself, told me once that he would rather stand there and wait for me to finish what I’m playing than to not have enough music. I don’t think the congregation would agree, however! This same priest will occasionally request such pieces as the Bach Passacaglia in c minor. :bigyikes: I want to tell him, "Father, if I could play stuff like that, I certainly wouldn’t be hanging around here playing for free – I’d be over at the rich-folks’ Episcopal church playing for money!

At one parish we had one minute for the Credo, and I mean one minute, not 61 seconds.