Opinions - MusicaSacra Church Music Forum https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/categories/opinions/feed.rss Sun, 17 May 26 02:21:10 +0000 Opinions - MusicaSacra Church Music Forum en-CA Variability in TLM Low Mass https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23043/variability-in-tlm-low-mass Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:10:06 +0000 a_f_hawkins 23043@/forum/discussions
Because there were no rubrics for the people in TLM, there is actually a greater variety of option especially in a low mass. If you want to have a Jewish operatic tenor sing an Ave Maria over the opening rites of a funeral mass, have at it.
It was quite possible to experience a Low Mass in which as one priest proceeded to the altar another ascended the pulpit, from which he led recitation of the Rosary throughout the Mass except for a pause at the consecration.]]> Whose Mass is it anyway? Some critical observations on the Novus Ordo liturgy https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/23042/whose-mass-is-it-anyway-some-critical-observations-on-the-novus-ordo-liturgy Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0000 kevinf 23042@/forum/discussions
This cycle could go on indefinitely and in my mind leaves a parish reeling for the changes wrought by the various clerics. This to me is the major defect of the Novus Ordo. And while I wish the church's statements and rules would have a positive effect, even my traditionalist pastor screws the rubrics regarding such matters as readings of the day, abusing the sung parts of Mass for what he percieves as "better" ways of doing things and other matters.

I invite you to think with me on this question. I do not wish to go to the tlm versus NO question. Contain your comments just to the NO. I know,we should do what the Church asks but many clerics do not feel inclined, even traditionalists as well as progressive ones. Having done the NO for 40 years but also knowing the tlm, I understand the problems. I personally prefer the tlm for some of these reasons.

Thank you in advance,
KF
]]> Which of the two particular editions of RM? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/22364/which-of-the-two-particular-editions-of-rm Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:54:17 +0000 a_f_hawkins 22364@/forum/discussions The editio typica printed in 1963, but in effect at the end of 1962, and presumably that authorised by SP, is not the Missal in use prior to the 1969 NO.
The Ordo Missae of that edition was revised, along (of course) with the Ritus servandus and printed as an editio typica in 1965. The decree of SCR Nuper edita Instructione was promulgated on 27th Jan 1965, and appears in AAS vol57(1965)pp408-409.
From the indexof that volume :-
Ordo Missae nova recensione donatur, in
novis Missalis Romani editionibus inse-
rendus, 408 s
A new recension of the Order of the Mass is given, to be inserted in new editions of the Roman Missal, 408 s
An advertisment for this editio typica can be found at the end of 1965 editions of Notitiae along with one for [CORRECTION] GS the Kyriale Simplex.]]> Southeastern NH - good parishes to visit? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/22132/southeastern-nh-good-parishes-to-visit Thu, 26 Dec 2024 03:58:20 +0000 LauraKaz 22132@/forum/discussions Parish Suggestion for Weary Travelers?- a List? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21989/parish-suggestion-for-weary-travelers-a-list Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:00:05 +0000 G 21989@/forum/discussions Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/16478/reparation-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary Fri, 05 Oct 2018 18:17:58 +0000 francis 16478@/forum/discussions
1. Go to Mass
2. Pray the Rosary
3. Meditate on the mysteries of the rosary (or even a single mystery) for fifteen minutes
4. Go to Confession

You can learn more at the website.

Http://www.silverwingsofthedove.org

In JMJ

Francis]]> Typeface (aka Fonts) and only Typeface in use in worship aides https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21799/typeface-aka-fonts-and-only-typeface-in-use-in-worship-aides Sun, 07 Jul 2024 03:21:18 +0000 Mattspmusic0320 21799@/forum/discussions
What I use/have used:

EB Garammond (2016-2023; 2024-Present *for now*)
Footlight MT Light (2023-2024; *I tried something new but went back after a year)
Hastegi (2024- Present *New to me, intend to use for headings/Titles)]]> "I hate incense" discussion https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21446/i-hate-incense-discussion Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:29:07 +0000 btodorovich87 21446@/forum/discussions word incense? Was there really so much incense at such-and-such a Mass that they could barely breathe?]]> “Not another Church but a different Church…” oooooooooookkkkaaaaay… https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21123/not-another-church-but-a-different-church-oooooooooookkkkaaaaay Mon, 04 Sep 2023 23:54:41 +0000 francis 21123@/forum/discussions
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-10/pope-francis-discourse-moment-reflection-eve-inauguration-synod.html

Moribund?

“There is no need to create another Church, but to create a different Church,” the Pope said citing Dominican priest Father Yves Marie-Joseph Congar. “For a ‘different Church’, the Pope urged all to invoke the Holy Spirit with greater fervour and frequency and humbly listen to Him.”


I wonder that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel.

Which is not another: only there are some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema.

As we said before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema.

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

For I give you to understand, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

For neither did I receive it of man: nor did I learn it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:6-12
]]> Where do I choose the text from? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21088/where-do-i-choose-the-text-from Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:09:39 +0000 FelipeRR 21088@/forum/discussions When you are writing music for a text of the Mass, what text do you tend to use? The antiphons that are in the Missal or the ones in the Graduale (translated)? Do you choose always from the same source or you pick one or the other depending of different criteria? (Beauty, length, your own taste, etc)

I started taking all texts from the Missal (except for the offertory antiphons) but right now I'm kind of wandering what's better... any opinions? ]]> Red staff lines? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/21003/red-staff-lines Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:00:30 +0000 OMagnumMysterium 21003@/forum/discussions Header Usage - Opinions Wanted https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/20913/header-usage-opinions-wanted Fri, 26 May 2023 16:54:42 +0000 OMagnumMysterium 20913@/forum/discussions
I've been contemplating the issue of when to switch headers for sections (specifically in a book of chant). My thought was that the header should change for the first full page of the new section, and a page where the section changes part way through should have the header of the previous section. This seems to contradict every single example I've ever seen in real books. They always change the header on the first page that has any part of a new section. (Examples attached below)

Although the first seems more practical and aesthetically pleasing to me, I am hesitant to part from tradition if it has always been done the second way. Any knowledge, experience, or opinions from you all would be greatly appreciated. ]]> American Copyright Law... Protecting the Composer or Tying the Church's Hands? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/20848/american-copyright-law...-protecting-the-composer-or-tying-the-church039s-hands Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:29:55 +0000 AnimaVocis 20848@/forum/discussions
I am in no way implying that I think a composer shouldn't receive their due for the work they have provided as a result of their labour's. I'm all for paying a composer.

Though, that with which I have a HUGE issue is the fact that we have been conditioned that it is "necesaary" for the Church to not be allowed her music unless we pay for it to the proper companies, and then one can get in trouble for using music that is part of her patrimony unless we pay out the nose for it. Capitalism has made us believe that the only way to have good music at Mass is if we have a program that shells out THOUSANDS of dollars to have the TEMPORARY rights to use the music for which we have paid.

I miss the days, now long passed, where music composed for the Church was music that belonged to the Church, and could be used freely after its composition, without worry about getting into a legal battle about who has the right to use it or not. (I know, I know.... exceptions to every rule...)

By all means, pay composers their due. But why have we, as the musicians of the church, rolled over in this regard and have submitted ourselves to the bureaucratic nonsense of copyright law? This is why I will continue to support composers in the vein of St. James Music Press, Serviam Scores, CCWatershed, CMAA, and those who place their work in the creative commons, et. al. who have this sense of service to the church. I am happy for composers who allow their work to be published by publishing houses. I have NO LESS respect for them... but I don't care how good your music is.... if there is something of equal value that is being published through Lulu (or the like), or is available in the creative commons, I'm going there first.

If only we had, as a part of our patrimony, a set of music that was never copyrighted, was public domain, and was timeless.... hmmmmmmmm..........

End of grievance. Please keep subsequent comments appropriate! ]]> Well that's the last time I do Tenebrae: Antisemitism in the liturgy https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/20812/well-that039s-the-last-time-i-do-tenebrae-antisemitism-in-the-liturgy Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:00:21 +0000 DCM 20812@/forum/discussions Tenebrae factae sunt, dum crucifixissent Jesum Judaei: Darkness fell when the Jews crucified Jesus."

It's upsetting to me that, 58 years after Nostra Aetate and over 60 since Pope John took the first steps to attack Christian antisemitism, there are still Catholics who pray this every year and find it beautiful. Frankly, things like this deserved to be reformed out of existence.

I am just going to cobble something together if I ever try something extra again.]]> Due to COVID....singing restrictions ... Alleluia and verse https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/18398/due-to-covid....singing-restrictions-...-alleluia-and-verse Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:22:59 +0000 HollyO 18398@/forum/discussions
I know it’s a peculiar situation, but sometimes obedience is the point and we all strive to do the best we can.

Thank you for your consideration, ]]> "Sound systems"... musical instruments? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/20288/sound-systems...-musical-instruments Fri, 16 Sep 2022 19:07:38 +0000 Chris Garton-Zavesky 20288@/forum/discussions
I don't want anyone to comment on the parish situation or the job listing. My purpose here is to ask the questions:

1) Is a sound system a musical instrument?
2) Are there many musicians who have enough skill to see to the proper care of the sound system? (Since tuning an organ and a piano will usually involve outside contractors, would care of the sound system merely mean remembering when to call the contractor in for maintenance?
3) Among those of you who have sound systems, do you try to be involved with it, or ignore it, or respect someone else's responsibility?
]]> Keeping it short https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19988/keeping-it-short Sun, 22 May 2022 17:23:24 +0000 Kathy 19988@/forum/discussions
While some of that is doubtless due to the style of the music or heretofore latent smoke allergies, I think there is a simpler issue also at work. Solemnity tends to add to the length of a Mass.

If a casual Mass takes 55 minutes or an hour, then a solemn Mass, which includes incense, chant, and the Roman Canon, and reduces or eliminates EMoHCs takes an hour twenty.

Of course some folks will be fine with that, even grateful and eager, but many will not.

If homilies also lengthen, then it's a 90 minute Mass, and families will stay away in droves.

Something has got to give, I feel, so that everyone still feels at home. How can a beautiful OF Mass be of a length that doesn't cause snarls in the parking lot or complaints from members of families due to the length of Mass?

]]> The popup is getting obnoxious https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19931/the-popup-is-getting-obnoxious Mon, 25 Apr 2022 15:14:00 +0000 ServiamScores 19931@/forum/discussions "They are part of us too"" https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19707/they-are-part-of-us-too Fri, 04 Feb 2022 01:29:57 +0000 ghmus7 19707@/forum/discussions Many say, he is misunderstood. ]]> Catholic News Service Video about TLM restrictions https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19664/catholic-news-service-video-about-tlm-restrictions Sat, 22 Jan 2022 01:13:59 +0000 MarkB 19664@/forum/discussions
https://youtu.be/NUqbDavMOxY

]]> Rite of Investiture (Clothing Ceremony) https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19442/rite-of-investiture-clothing-ceremony Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:37:25 +0000 monasteryliturgist 19442@/forum/discussions Normally, we celebrate this Rite in our Community within the Holy Mass on a feast day, but this year that was unable to happen due to unforeseen circumstances.

So, my question is, if anyone might have experience on which "Mass" would be most proper. In my opinion obviously the Mass for a Religious Profession shouldn't be used since it is not a Religious Profession. Would the Votive for A Priestly or Religious Vocation be better or is there a Mass for the Rite of Investiture but just not in the Normal Missal?

If anyone might have an answer to this, I would be grateful. Thank you.
Sister Marie
]]> Truth or Lies https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19412/truth-or-lies Sat, 16 Oct 2021 21:53:12 +0000 francis 19412@/forum/discussions
https://youtu.be/KLQCDrzBlf0]]> Novus Ordo Sacred Music Workshop in Melbourne - your opinions? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19073/novus-ordo-sacred-music-workshop-in-melbourne-your-opinions Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:49:08 +0000 Jes 19073@/forum/discussions
Let's pretend for a second that VatII ideals were not run off with by randoms who wanted to meet their own agenda... does this course look like it embodies how Novus Ordo sacred music should be?
Does it, from the outside, look like the presenters have a personal agenda or does it look realistically like it is truly designed to be surrounding Church documents of Vat II? I suppose that is my question.

My concerns are that some of the presenters are musicians pushing indigenous music in their own music ministry and this filtering into this course. But I am biased because I know some of the presenters and I dislike some of the directions they are moving in.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/institutes-academies-and-centres/acu-centre-for-liturgy/professional-development

What do you think? From the outset to me it looks like perhaps a step in at least a direction the Church in Melbourne needs. We need music education for our musicians and I am glad the Church has listened. I have been begging for a while for education to take off down here.

]]> How is your attendance at TLM? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19304/how-is-your-attendance-at-tlm Sun, 29 Aug 2021 19:57:01 +0000 ghmus7 19304@/forum/discussions Improvisation - an old art form https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/19282/improvisation-an-old-art-form Sun, 22 Aug 2021 22:25:32 +0000 Liam 19282@/forum/discussions
Rick Beato, the commenting host, knows it's an old art form, and knows that this is not the only couple of minutes of improvisation that's the most beautiful in the world, but those things aside, he knows his craft and is an engaging explainer of musical structures and the arts of making music (for folks unfamiliar with him, he's quite conversant in classical musical forms, along with jazz, rock et cet.; he's a musical omnivore as a musician and listener) - and in that role he can be among the models we may have for explaining improvisational music to people we might prefer not to have to engage but that would prudently try to engage:

The musician is Keith Jarrett, as recorded in 1973 - if you strongly prefer to skip the intro, the passage in question begins at the 2:30 mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BgXCDuqZvM]]> Call for a moratorium on COVID-related topics https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/18919/call-for-a-moratorium-on-covid-related-topics Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:19:01 +0000 Schönbergian 18919@/forum/discussions
While I appreciate Chonak's hands-off approach to moderation, perhaps we as members can enforce a voluntary moratorium on this topic to prevent this forum from devolving away from its regularly civil tone and attitude.]]> Why do some people hate Gregorian chant? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/16489/why-do-some-people-hate-gregorian-chant Wed, 10 Oct 2018 18:54:29 +0000 Geremia 16489@/forum/discussions
For example, Modernists and Protestants think that faith is a feeling, and Gregorian chant does not evoke a sentimental sappiness like Modernist and modern Protestant music does.]]> Bishop in Arkansas .... can someone square this circle? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/18910/bishop-in-arkansas-....-can-someone-square-this-circle Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:38:22 +0000 Chris Garton-Zavesky 18910@/forum/discussions

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishop-choir-members-communion-ministers-must-be-fully-vaccinated


1) Is this sort of thing happening across the church, so that singers (who may or not be heretics or apostates, but shouldn't be) are muzzled but heretic (or apostate) Catholics in public office are not?

2) Is anyone singing w/out masks or 6-foot-radius bubbles ?

3) Can anyone make intelligent, coherent sense out of, or propose a philosophy which makes, holding/teaching the Catholic faith consistent with the other behaviors detailed in the article?

(Serious answers only, please, to this last question. Snark not wanted.)]]> Prayers: Pastor of St. Eugene-St. Cecilia arrested for Covid violations; under canonical review too https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/18895/prayers-pastor-of-st.-eugene-st.-cecilia-arrested-for-covid-violations-under-canonical-review-too Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:57:49 +0000 Chrism 18895@/forum/discussions Rorate caeli blog here.

Posted mostly for prayers, but as I imagine a lively discussion will ensue as well, please remember that this calamity was brought upon us by an anonymous person who observed the situation and made a complaint, and (if my inference was not altogether clear already) that anonymous persons do often observe our discussions as well.]]> Who is responsible for letting David Haas be a predator for 40 years? https://forum.musicasacra.com/forum/discussion/18469/who-is-responsible-for-letting-david-haas-be-a-predator-for-40-years Wed, 21 Oct 2020 01:48:22 +0000 contemporaryworship92 18469@/forum/discussions