Pipe organ held in high esteem--oh, really?!

[Sarika]

Okay, I did not “interpret” any post. Please hold off on insults, like saying I misinterpret so many posts. First, you haven’t been here long enough to make such a statement. Second, it violates the rules of charity to insult or slander someone.

All of your past posts are avilable to read on this site, just by clicking on your name.

And I did not insult you, nor did I slander you. I simply observed this, and it’s only fair to come to the aid of those whose posts you have misunderstood.

To use your words, it “violates the the rules of charity” to insist that others are ignoring the principle of subsidiarity, when clearly they are not. Since, as you insist, there are no enforced Papal/Magisterial guidelines (although the body of current information is very consistent and not hard to understand), and since Bishops differ on these matters themselves, one DOES have a right to voice an opinion that differs from one’s own Bishop .(Heck, some Bishops themselves are holding views that are at variance with those of the Holy Father on these issues,so are they violating the principle of subsidiarity themselves? With your logic, they would be.) To say that certain things SHOULD/SHOULD NOT be done (as opposed to CAN or CANNOT), especially when the views are in keeping with the (albeit un-enforced) guidelines of the Magisterium is fine.

That is not being disobedient or disregarding the principle of subsidiarity (which by the way is used as an excuse for many things). However, it WOULD be a violation if one said that others cannot/must not do things that the Bishop allows, and that others are sinning by doing so. But, thus, far, I’ve not read any posts of this nature.

Is it possible that you are trigger happy, and assume that anyone who disagrees with you represents the latter?

 

[pnewton]

.(Heck, some Bishops themselves are holding views that are at variance with those of the Holy Father on these issues,so are they violating the principle of subsidiarity themselves? With your logic, they would be.)

That is a logic impossibility. It is not** my** logic.

Is it possible that you are trigger happy, and assume that anyone who disagrees with you represents the latter?

No.Perhaps with time you will learn different.

 

[Sarika]

I have to learn more about subsidiarity. I have a few issues about your understanding of it and its application to these topics. Until then…

 

[elgar]

I would agree that “front and center” would be a distraction, though welcome at times, but it is a distraction. But then the same could be said for a guitarist or pianist or any vocalist, unless they are stationed in the back or in the balcony. But even there, if they are too good, no doubt heads will turn and wish to applaud. There needs to be a balance somewhere, and each church configuration, with perhaps the help of the bishop, will have to find its own solution for that.

So much depends on the architecture and layout of the church. Most if not all of the Catholic churches built in the 19th and early 20th centuries were designed with rear galleries and organs both pipe and reed were played from there. After V2 for some reason all the activity had to happen up front for all to see. Due to the “help of the bishop” many very fine pipe organs were either taken to the dump or allowed to deteriorate to the point where the pitch for a new electronic was made. Of course the old argument that we could never afford a new pipe organ explains the sorry state of affairs today. The same “help from the bishop” is why once ornate interiors were “white-washed,” communion railings, high altars and statuary were also discarded.

If applause of good performances is a problem in your parish, that can easily be taken care of by your priest instructing you not to do this either in your bulletins or verbally in the mass.

 

[elgar]

That is why I only use a liturgical guitar and piano, as permitted in the Catholic Church. I disagree that having everything acapella is better. This thread has reminded me, once again, of the wisdom of the Catholic principle of subsidiarity. It is only the priest and bishops close to an individual parish that can determine, with in the limits of the Church’s guidelines, what is best at that parish. I think Cat’s initial point was very valid. Practical considerations must be weighed. For example. My parish (1200 families) has not one organist. I am the only one that can even play a little on a piano. The ideal must give way to the real. This is not to say that the organ has no place of pride in the Church. We contributed our share to the capital compaign a few years ago that helped build the new cathedral with its Opus XIX pipe organ.
archgh.org/Newsroom/Fact-and-Backgrounders/Pipe-Organ/

Just curious. What is a liturgical guitar?

Enlighten me as a non-Catholic, I know that the use of drums is not permitted at mass but pianos are. Both are of the percussion family. I’m wondering if the rationale is that drums conjure up secular/pagan ceremonies. We use drums once in a while in a very festive way to accompany the singing of hymns of early church origin. Pianos can also be associated with night clubs and many secular applications.

 

[TheMc]

Just curious. What is a liturgical guitar?

There is no such thing.

 

[pnewton]

Just curious. What is a liturgical guitar?

It is a term I just coined today. I am going to have it copyrighted. It’s construction should include at least one third degree relic and have holy salt sprinked inside.

Seriously, if you look in context, someone had stated that is was better to be acapela than to have non-liturgical instruments like guitar. The is no more any such animal as a liturgical guitar than there is a non-liturgical guitar. Such things are opinions. That is one thing there is truly no shortage of here.

I like to inject levity. People get too angry over music as it is.

 

[Bluegoat]

I disagree. It’s not necessary to financially compensate the choir or the schola. If the church can afford to then fine, but surely the vast majority of choirs and scholas are volunteers and have had no formal training in singing. Singing lessons are usually not taken so that one can sing in the choir at church and if so, they are not a cost to the church but to the private individual.

If you don’t, you’ll have to take what you can get. This is why so many Catholic parishes are in the situation they are. Pay the parish secretary, but not a musician!

 

[Cat]

All of your past posts are avilable to read on this site, just by clicking on your name.

And I did not insult you, nor did I slander you. I simply observed this, and it’s only fair to come to the aid of those whose posts you have misunderstood.

To use your words, it “violates the the rules of charity” to insist that others are ignoring the principle of subsidiarity, when clearly they are not. Since, as you insist, there are no enforced Papal/Magisterial guidelines (although the body of current information is very consistent and not hard to understand), and since Bishops differ on these matters themselves, one DOES have a right to voice an opinion that differs from one’s own Bishop .(Heck, some Bishops themselves are holding views that are at variance with those of the Holy Father on these issues,so are they violating the principle of subsidiarity themselves? With your logic, they would be.) To say that certain things SHOULD/SHOULD NOT be done (as opposed to CAN or CANNOT), especially when the views are in keeping with the (albeit un-enforced) guidelines of the Magisterium is fine.

That is not being disobedient or disregarding the principle of subsidiarity (which by the way is used as an excuse for many things). However, it WOULD be a violation if one said that others cannot/must not do things that the Bishop allows, and that others are sinning by doing so. But, thus, far, I’ve not read any posts of this nature.

Is it possible that you are trigger happy, and assume that anyone who disagrees with you represents the latter?

Oh, my, Sarika. Oh, my.

You have not been on CAF very long. When you have been here as long as I have, or as long as pnewton has, you will learn that pnewton is one of the most reasonable, kind, and knowledgeable people on CAF.

Asking if pnewton is trigger-happy is like asking if Pope Benedict XVI is a Protestant. The answer to both queries is a decided “no.”

 

[Cat]

Just curious. What is a liturgical guitar?

Enlighten me as a non-Catholic, I know that the use of drums is not permitted at mass but pianos are. Both are of the percussion family. I’m wondering if the rationale is that drums conjure up secular/pagan ceremonies. We use drums once in a while in a very festive way to accompany the singing of hymns of early church origin. Pianos can also be associated with night clubs and many secular applications.

Drums can be used in Mass. One of the Catholic parishes in our city recently celebrated its 100th anniversary as a parish. The Bishop did the Anniversary Mass, and there were drums (classical ensemble).

Also, drums are used in our Life Teen Mass, which is completed vetted and approved by the Bishop.

 

[Sarabande]

Oh, my, Sarika. Oh, my.

You have not been on CAF very long. When you have been here as long as I have, or as long as pnewton has, you will learn that pnewton is one of the most reasonable, kind, and knowledgeable people on CAF.

Asking if pnewton is trigger-happy is like asking if Pope Benedict XVI is a Protestant. The answer to both queries is a decided “no.”

Second this.

Sarika, I agree with much of your opinion and interpretation on liturgical music/instruments, but I have to disagree with this and want to defend pnewton. Pnewton is one of the more thought-ful and charitable people on here. Definitely not trigger-happy. Whether or not one agrees completely or some of the time, I believe he most certainly places a lot of thought in what he writes and will do so in a kind and rational way.

 

[MusicMan]

I would like to make the following observation: In the OP, Cat never expressed a dislike for the organ or chant. Rather, Cat expressed frustration with the musical goal of the Church in light of the reality of the lack of resources, both monetary and personnel, in achieving that goal. Given the facts, perhaps it would be better for the Church to either alter the goal or DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE RESOURCE SHORTAGE.

And, since I have a real problem with the lack of charity of the first few people to respond, I nominate Hudson and TheMC to spearhead a solution to the lack of resources.

 

[TheMc]

I would like to make the following observation: In the OP, Cat never expressed a dislike for the organ or chant. Rather, Cat expressed frustration with the musical goal of the Church in light of the reality of the lack of resources, both monetary and personnel, in achieving that goal. Given the facts, perhaps it would be better for the Church to either alter the goal or DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE RESOURCE SHORTAGE.

And, since I have a real problem with the lack of charity of the first few people to respond, I nominate Hudson and TheMC to spearhead a solution to the lack of resources.

Actually, she did:

I do not like chant

My solution is for pianists to learn the organ, and choirs to learn chant. Surely, a choir can learn something like the sanctus and agnus dei from Jubilate Deo.

But as I’ve said before, it’s not that people can’t do it, because they can, many, if not most people no not want to, even if you give them the resources.

The problem is not lack of resources, it’s that people do not embrace the church’s teaching in this matter. I know far to many people who say “I don’t like chant. Didn’t VII do away with all that archaic music?” Even after I try and explain it to them, they don’t listen. I have never heard someone say “I love chant, and I want to learn it, but I don’t know where to start.” Except on CAF, that is.

Actually, I have heard someone say that last one, but they did begin to learn chant.

 

[Cat]

I would like to make the following observation: In the OP, Cat never expressed a dislike for the organ or chant. Rather, Cat expressed frustration with the musical goal of the Church in light of the reality of the lack of resources, both monetary and personnel, in achieving that goal. Given the facts, perhaps it would be better for the Church to either alter the goal or DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE RESOURCE SHORTAGE.

And, since I have a real problem with the lack of charity of the first few people to respond, I nominate Hudson and TheMC to spearhead a solution to the lack of resources.

Thank you for you kind words. I do love the pipe organ and am going to try to learn to play it without sounding dreadful.

But in all fairness, I have throughout the years that I’ve been part of CAF, expressed my own personal opinion about chant, both Gregorian and otherwise. My personal opinion about chant has remained consistent over the years.

In short–and remember, this is just my personal opinion–I dislike chant.

I dislike it because it lacks a regular melody and rhythm, and I find this disconcerting and jarring in this day and age when life tends to be dissonant and unpredictable and often lacks a day-to-day routine.

I prefer music with a strong, soaring melody and a regular blood-warming rhythm.

Everyday in the U.S., it seems that something else happens to frighten and confuse us, and I think that music with a strong melody and regular rhythm is more encouraging and uplifting than music that meanders (or more accurately, makes use of 8 ancient modes).

I recognize that others disagree with me, and find the Gregorian chant soothing and uplifting. I respect Gregorian chant and other styles of chant as genres, and I certainly respect Holy Mother Church’s teaching that Gregorian chant should have “pride of place” in the Mass.

(I do wish that Holy Mother Church would define precisely what “pride of place” means, because I personally don’t think it means that every bit of Mass music has to be Gregorian chant. But I honestly don’t know what the phrase means, and I don’t think any other lay person without extensive education in canon law and church rubrics knows what it means either.)

I also dislike chant because it feels “spooky” to me, because the only context that I have heard it in growing up was in horror movies. In fact, there is a chant piece in one of the Harry Potter movies. My husband was playing the soundtrack just a few nights ago, and when I heard the piece, I thought, “Hey, he switched the CD to a chant album.” But it was still Harry Potter. So to me, chant recalls ghosts and witches, not Jesus and heaven. Again, JMO. Those of you who have a different upbringing and background will of course have a different opinion about chant. I’m not asking you to agree with me. But I AM hoping that you will at least seek to understand my point of view. I can’t change my upbringing and background, and there is a good chance that for the rest of my life, whenever I hear chant, I will think, “Oooh, ghosts!”

Same way with many of you who grew up hearing rock music in a secular setting. It is very likely that you will never be able to hear it in a Mass without thinking, “Turn on, man! LSD! Trippin’! Free love!” etc. That’s YOUR background! My background, OTOH, was hearing rock music in church, so when I hear rock in church, I think, “Jesus! Praise Him!”

Thanks again for kind words, MusicMan.

 

[TheMc]

I do wish that Holy Mother Church would define precisely what “pride of place” means, because I personally don’t think it means that every bit of Mass music has to be Gregorian chant. But I honestly don’t know what the phrase means, and I don’t think any other lay person without extensive education in canon law and church rubrics knows what it means either.

That’s one thing I think we can all agree on. I also with Holy Mother Church could be more clear on what this means. But for now, we can all try and bring more chant into the Mass, because whatever “pride of place” means, we can all probably agree on the fact that not very many parishes are actually giving it pride of place.

One thing we can know about the phrase “pride of place” is that for it to be obeyed, at least someone has to know chant, and sing it.

 

[Cat]

Actually, she did:

My solution is for pianists to learn the organ, and choirs to learn chant. Surely, a choir can learn something like the sanctus and agnus dei from Jubilate Deo.

But as I’ve said before, it’s not that people can’t do it, because they can, many, if not most people no not want to, even if you give them the resources.

The problem is not lack of resources, it’s that people do not embrace the church’s teaching in this matter. I know far to many people who say “I don’t like chant. Didn’t VII do away with all that archaic music?” Even after I try and explain it to them, they don’t listen. I have never heard someone say “I love chant, and I want to learn it, but I don’t know where to start.” Except on CAF, that is.

Actually, I have heard someone say that last one, but they did begin to learn chant.

Actually, TheMc, I don’t think it’s as simple as people “not wanting to embrace the Church’s teaching.”

I apologize to all, because I know that I have made the following observations, possibly in this thread. But OTOH, some people are just joining the discussion and they haven’t read the whole thread. I think my comments are worth repeating.

Often pianists have the money to take organ lessons, but they don’t have the time. I am struggling with this right now.

Earlier in the week, I thought I would have the time to practice, but now I’m not so sure. I work full time, and for the last two years, I’ve been going to the gym immediately after work. I was obese, and I’ve lost 75 pounds with this regimen, so I’m very hesitant to give it up. I’ve tried working out in the morning, but my knees are so stiff that I just can’t do the workout without significant pain. After work is also a lot less crowded and I can actually get to use the machines, whereas early morning is extremely crowded.

So I COULD go practice early in the morning, but it would have to be around 5 in the morning, since our parish has Rosary at 6:00 a.m. and Mass at 6:30 a.m. I don’t think the maintenance people want to be there to let me in so early, and to be honest, I don’t think the pastor will want to pay the maintenance staff to be there so early just for the sake of one person who wants to practice the organ.

The ideal time for me to practice is in the evening, but I’m not sure that there will be
anyone around the church to let me in.

So I’m kind of floundering here. If only I didn’t have that full-time job! Just kidding! I’m grateful for that full-time job–a lot of people would love to have a full-time job!

I’m thinking that I will probably shorten my workout time and shorten my organ practice time, and do it all after work. I would prefer to practice for a couple of hours a day, but I guess I will have to compromise what I prefer and just do what’s feasible.

For others, it’s even harder than it is for me, because they have children at home that they have to care for.

Now I know that some musicians have an easy time learning the organ, but I am not one of those people. I posted my woes about playing the organ on another thread in this section. Other pianists at the seminar this week agree with me–we were suffering! All of us shared our problems with the pedals–this is a huge adjustment for pianists, and several of us had problems with pain in the ankles and feet as our foot muscles adjusted to trying to pedal up and down the board. Perhaps because of my foot surgeries, I kept having a problem with my toes curling–my organ teacher had to constantly tell me to uncurl my toes, and they just didn’t want to uncurl! (I also don’t have organ shoes because of my foot deformities–I’m hoping I can find something that will work for me).

All of us mentioned that our left hand keeps wanting to play the pedal part–this was maddening! All of us had problems playing on two manuals. All of us had problems whenever the piece has the melody in the left hand and the accompaniment in the right hand. All of us had problems with the different way to stroke the organ keys, and above all else, with the RELEASES!

In short, the pianists in the group struggled to unlearn all our piano skills and add organ skills. It would almost be better to have never played the piano before.

I estimate that if I can practice for a few hours a day for at least four days a week, I might be able to play hymns in the Mass within a year. I’m not exaggerating. I honestly think it will take this long. Perhaps if I were younger (I’m 54), it would come sooner.

It’s pretty discouraging, and other pianists in our group who make a living with their music were saying that they probably won’t have the time to add practicing the organ to their list of things to do. Many of them teach school during the day, teach private lessons after school, and play gigs in the evening/night. Practicing the organ just doesn’t fit.

So, fellow Catholics, please don’t be so glib about assuming that pianists who don’t learn to play the organ are just “refusing to accept Church teaching.” I would suggest assuming that they are very busy people and simply can’t stretch their schedule to fit in something as time–consuming as learning to play the organ.

If you happen to be one of those people who can sit down with a musical instrument and learn to play it in a few hours, well, that’s wonderful. I know people like this, and I’m always amazed at their gift! I wish I had it. But I don’t have this gift, and neither do many other musicians. If YOU have this gift, please do not assume that everyone else can do same thing you can do. We can’t. If you have a problem with that, take it up with God and ask Him why He didn’t give ALL musicians the ability to learn instruments quickly like you can.

 

[TheMc]

Actually, TheMc, I don’t think it’s as simple as people “not wanting to embrace the Church’s teaching.”

I apologize to all, because I know that I have made the following observations, possibly in this thread. But OTOH, some people are just joining the discussion and they haven’t read the whole thread. I think my comments are worth repeating.

Often pianists have the money to take organ lessons, but they don’t have the time. I am struggling with this right now.

Earlier in the week, I thought I would have the time to practice, but now I’m not so sure. I work full time, and for the last two years, I’ve been going to the gym immediately after work. I was obese, and I’ve lost 75 pounds with this regimen, so I’m very hesitant to give it up. I’ve tried working out in the morning, but my knees are so stiff that I just can’t do the workout without significant pain. After work is also a lot less crowded and I can actually get to use the machines, whereas early morning is extremely crowded.

So I COULD go practice early in the morning, but it would have to be around 5 in the morning, since our parish has Rosary at 6:00 a.m. and Mass at 6:30 a.m. I don’t think the maintenance people want to be there to let me in so early, and to be honest, I don’t think the pastor will want to pay the maintenance staff to be there so early just for the sake of one person who wants to practice the organ.

The ideal time for me to practice is in the evening, but I’m not sure that there will be
anyone around the church to let me in.

So I’m kind of floundering here. If only I didn’t have that full-time job! Just kidding! I’m grateful for that full-time job–a lot of people would love to have a full-time job!

I’m thinking that I will probably shorten my workout time and shorten my organ practice time, and do it all after work. I would prefer to practice for a couple of hours a day, but I guess I will have to compromise what I prefer and just do what’s feasible.

For others, it’s even harder than it is for me, because they have children at home that they have to care for.

Now I know that some musicians have an easy time learning the organ, but I am not one of those people. I posted my woes about playing the organ on another thread in this section. Other pianists at the seminar this week agree with me–we were suffering! All of us shared our problems with the pedals–this is a huge adjustment for pianists, and several of us had problems with pain in the ankles and feet as our foot muscles adjusted to trying to pedal up and down the board. Perhaps because of my foot surgeries, I kept having a problem with my toes curling–my organ teacher had to constantly tell me to uncurl my toes, and they just didn’t want to uncurl! (I also don’t have organ shoes because of my foot deformities–I’m hoping I can find something that will work for me).

All of us mentioned that our left hand keeps wanting to play the pedal part–this was maddening! All of us had problems playing on two manuals. All of us had problems whenever the piece has the melody in the left hand and the accompaniment in the right hand. All of us had problems with the different way to stroke the organ keys, and above all else, with the RELEASES!

In short, the pianists in the group struggled to unlearn all our piano skills and add organ skills. It would almost be better to have never played the piano before.

I estimate that if I can practice for a few hours a day for at least four days a week, I might be able to play hymns in the Mass within a year. I’m not exaggerating. I honestly think it will take this long. Perhaps if I were younger (I’m 54), it would come sooner.

It’s pretty discouraging, and other pianists in our group who make a living with their music were saying that they probably won’t have the time to add practicing the organ to their list of things to do. Many of them teach school during the day, teach private lessons after school, and play gigs in the evening/night. Practicing the organ just doesn’t fit.

So, fellow Catholics, please don’t be so glib about assuming that pianists who don’t learn to play the organ are just “refusing to accept Church teaching.” I would suggest assuming that they are very busy people and simply can’t stretch their schedule to fit in something as time–consuming as learning to play the organ.

If you happen to be one of those people who can sit down with a musical instrument and learn to play it in a few hours, well, that’s wonderful. I know people like this, and I’m always amazed at their gift! I wish I had it. But I don’t have this gift, and neither do many other musicians. If YOU have this gift, please do not assume that everyone else can do same thing you can do. We can’t. If you have a problem with that, take it up with God and ask Him why He didn’t give ALL musicians the ability to learn instruments quickly like you can.

Thank you for dedicating time to learning the organ.

I’m sorry I wasn’t clear, but I was mainly referring to chant when I made those comments.

Thank you for making the sacrifices necessary to bring better music to your parish!!

 

[Cat]

Thank you for dedicating time to learning the organ.

I’m sorry I wasn’t clear, but I was mainly referring to chant when I made those comments.

Thank you for making the sacrifices necessary to bring better music to your parish!!

A lot of the same principles apply.

I’m a musician, and I think I speak for most musicians when I say that we are usually pretty open to learning new things.

But we need a teacher.

I didn’t just sit down at the pipe organ and learn it. I went to this seminar this week because some of the best professors in the U.S. were teaching, and I knew that I would probably learn something . And I did. (I learned that I will need a lot of practice to ever be able to play anything in public!)

Some musicians can pick stuff up from the internet or books, but most of us need a teacher, a live teacher.

And there simply aren’t that many teachers available who know enough about Gregorian chant to be able to teach it.

And even if the teachers were available, not all musicians (or people who volunteer to do music even if they’re not musicians) have the time to go to classes. Since you work in church music, you know that getting people to attend a weekly choir practice is like pulling teeth out of an elephant. Many people manage to sing in the choir by just showing up on Sunday morning and running through the piece with the rest of the choir.

It’s not that they are stubbornly refusing to attend practices or classes. Many people, especially people with children at home, simply don’t have the time to add something else to the schedule. They do the best they can.

So again, I think that we should assume the best of people rather than assuming that they are rebelling against the teachings of the Church. A lot of times, people would be willing to learn something new (or old), but it’s just not going to work out for them, and they can’t do anything about it, and neither can we.

Maybe what the Vatican should do is create International Gregorian Chant Learning Day, and put it online. At a certain time, everyone in the world (or at least in the U.S.) would log on and go to a certain website (Gregchant.org?) and for one hour, a brilliant teacher would teach us the basics of Gregorian chant. If the teacher was working with a real choir, they could correct some errors that probably many of us at home are making, so we would kind of have some feedback.

That would be kind of fun, wouldn’t it? And it would get many thousands of people in this together, instead of trying to do this hit and miss with whatever parishes are able to find a teacher and drag a few choir members out.

In other words, do what Pope Benedict XVI has told us to do and use modern technology to evangelize and catechize!

 

[TheMc]

So again, I think that we should assume the best of people rather than assuming that they are rebelling against the teachings of the Church. A lot of times, people would be willing to learn something new (or old), but it’s just not going to work out for them, and they can’t do anything about it, and neither can we.

I didn’t mean to make it a blanket statement. I was talking about the people who actually say they wouldn’t want to learn more even if they could. I wasn’t attacking you, or musicians in general. This transition isn’t going to be easy. But resisting it simply because you don’t agree isn’t helpful. Again, I’m not referring to you. Actually, you mentioned you might enjoy going to the CMAA event next spring. I envy you!! I’d take any chance I could to go to the CMAA Colloquium!!!

Maybe what the Vatican should do is create International Gregorian Chant Learning Day, and put it online. At a certain time, everyone in the world (or at least in the U.S.) would log on and go to a certain website (Gregchant.org?) and for one hour, a brilliant teacher would teach us the basics of Gregorian chant. If the teacher was working with a real choir, they could correct some errors that probably many of us at home are making, so we would kind of have some feedback.

That would be kind of fun, wouldn’t it? And it would get many thousands of people in this together, instead of trying to do this hit and miss with whatever parishes are able to find a teacher and drag a few choir members out.

In other words, do what Pope Benedict XVI has told us to do and use modern technology to evangelize and catechize!

Sounds like a great idea! Now lets go change the world! Let’s shoot for, say, two weeks from today?

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

I recognize that others disagree with me, and find the Gregorian chant soothing and uplifting. I respect Gregorian chant and other styles of chant as genres, and I certainly respect Holy Mother Church’s teaching that Gregorian chant should have “pride of place” in the Mass.

(I do wish that Holy Mother Church would define precisely what “pride of place” means, because I personally don’t think it means that every bit of Mass music has to be Gregorian chant. But I honestly don’t know what the phrase means, and I don’t think any other lay person without extensive education in canon law and church rubrics knows what it means either.)

Actually, the proper translation from the Latin would be “First place”, so it’s pretty clear what the Church means. The problem is that it was given a very fuzzy translation into “pride of place” and then people make so many interpretations of that.