Tiny Motets a la Ravanello
  • mjballoumjballou
    Posts: 993
    What was the purpose of the "tiny motets" - generally only one page long - found in collections such as Ravanello or scattered throughout the pre-Vatican II hymnals?

    Were they offertories, post-Communions, or inserted at some other point in the EF? They seem very short for "travelling music." I'm unclear on their use.
  • WGS
    Posts: 297
    yes - used as offertories and communions in addition to the propers or as the propers if the text was identical. They also could be used instead of the propers at low Masses ... Keep in mind that both the offertory and communion were not lengthy procedures as they are now in the OF.

    Similarly, short motets could be used before Mass and even for the entrance of the celebrant at a low Mass. Again, the "entrance procession" was most likely merely an entrance from the sacristy into the sanctuary.