I don't know whether Esch is Catholic, but what is it that makes the former text unsuitable for liturgical use while admitting, for example, the following?Light,
warm and heavy
as pure gold,
and the angels sing softly
to the newborn babe.
I guess what I'm getting at is that this must be a matter of custom rather than law, unless an imprimatur is all that's needed for a Latin text to be considered approved for singing during the liturgy.Pro nobis egenum et fœno cubantem,
Piis foveamus amplexibus.
Sic nos amantem quis non redamaret?
Light
(warm and heavy as pure gold)
and the angels
sing softly
to the newborn babe.
The light is warm and heavy as pure gold,
and the angels sing softly to the newborn babe.
Lux, lux, lux, lux,
Calida, calida gravisque gravisque gravisque
pura pura velut velut aurum aurum,
Et canunt, et canunt, et canunt, et canunt angeli
Canunt, canunt, canunt molliter
modo natum, natum,
modo natum.
Actually, a Latin text "suited to the spirit" of the offertory might be more restrictive than a motet based on any liturgical text. Should a Eucharistic or Marian text be considered appropriate, or would something with a penitential text, or in honor of the Incarnation, or addressed to the Holy Ghost be better suited to the spirit of the traditional offertory rite?Any Latin song may be used after the Offertory antiphon provided it is suited to the spirit of this part of the Mass.
Music in liturgical functions is an integrant and not a purely ornamental part thereof, whereas in extra-liturgical functions it is altogether secondary and accidental, never exacted by the ceremony, and its main purpose is to entertain the faithful devoutly in Church or to furnish them a pleasing spiritual relaxation after the prolonged tension of a sermon, or whatever prayers they have been reciting together. Hence the style of extra-liturgical music is susceptible of greater freedom, though within such limits as are demanded by respect for God's house, and the holiness of the prayer it accompanies. ("Liturgical Chant," Catholic Encyclopedia)
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