Worthwhile Novelties

[MonFrere]

John Paul II, said Pope Benedict, “observed that today, as always, three characteristics distinguish sacred music: its ‘sanctity’, its ‘true art’, and its ‘universality’, in other words the fact that it can be presented to any people or assembly.

“Precisely for this reason”, he added, “the ecclesial authorities must undertake to guide … the development of such an important form of music, not by ‘freezing’ its heritage but by seeking to combine the legacy of the past with the worthwhile novelties of the present, so as to achieve a synthesis worthy of the exalted mission [sacred music] has in the service of God.

The quote above is from the Adoremus WebSite at:

adoremus.org/1107BXVI_SacredMusic.html

Mostly when the word “novelty” is used in relation to contemporary liturgical music it is used in a pejorative sense. This quote seems to use the word in a more neutral sense.

What I would like to do in this thread is to understand the context and the limit of “worthwhile novelties” and how this may lead contemporary composers/lyricists/liturgists to legitimate creative and authentically worthy music for the liturgy. NOT as an excuse for personal excess - experimentation - or in any manner tampering with the “sacredness” which our liturgies MUST demonstrate. However, the above quote does seem to allow for some legitimate movement for us creative types to add to the great and IMO absolutely awesome treasure that has gone before us.

Comments?

MonFrere

 

[rkrispies]

I’m glad someone started a thread like this. It’s something I’ve been mulling over for a while now.

One of the things Traditional Catholics always like to talk about is how the Extraordinary Form was the product of “organic development” over centuries. For some reason, it doesn’t quite register that at some point each new “organic development” was a novelty not covered by the rubrics. Those novelties that enhanced the liturgy, sacredness, etc. were retained. Those that detracted from the liturgy or introduced heresy or heterodoxy were eliminated. I think that is exactly what Ven. Pope John Paul II was talking about here. Those “worthwhile novelties” that contribute to the Ordinary Form and enhance it will likely be retained, while those that detract from it or introduce heresy/heterodoxy will be eliminated. Like evolution in nature, it takes time. Perhaps in a few centuries, Catholics will be talking about the organic development of the Ordinary Form.

The upshot here is that although many use “novelties” as a pejoritive, and the word has been used by many early Church Fathers as such, it need not be so. Novelties brought us the Extraordinary Form we have now. Novelties will ultimately (I think) improve and enhance the Ordinary Form, provided that we give the process time.

My $0.02

 

[MonFrere]

My question is what was in Pope John Paul II’s mind when he used the word - worthwhile novelties. Was he speaking to liturgical dance in African cultures? Pope Benedict has spoken to the liturgy in worldwide terms which seemed to indicate he was open to not necessarily having a Euro-centric model that was to be observed worldwide – HOWEVER, the Holy Father is also very concerned that the liturgy is Christocentric and the place where the Word is made present for adoration, worship and prayer. He is very concerned that we follow the precedents established by the early Church as it organically grew out of the resurrection of the Word.

What I see as possibilities is perhaps …

lenten traditions
advent traditions

certainly a more creative use of music can be permitted in our devotional worship

though some resist I can imagine a greater musical and artistic expression incorporated into our Response Psalms. The Psalms are so rich in expression that IMO a cantor or a choir just “chanting” is limiting artistic expression that, if properly done, could lift the mind and heart to greater worship.

I also think that the Anglican church has a very rich musical tradition. Since the Holy Father is allowing them some flexibility in their “Anglican use” there may be an indication of some possibilities of liturgical expression through music that would be acceptable.

Just some ideas to get things moving.

MonFrere