Ah, the infamous lounge pianist. Know them well.

He has now brought in his own electronic keyboard and plays things in a very poundy pop style.

Ugh. Just… ugh. I presume this means he’s using special sounds too, if he can’t be bothered to use a real piano.

I see a number of red flags here:
Since when do subs magically change hymnals overnight? The sub should be still using the one in the pews.

If there is a real piano, he should be using it. (To say nothing of organ.). I grant that this presumes the piano isn’t falling apart.

Complete musical style change overnight?

……..
I’d definitely talk to the new pastor and make sure he knows what is going on and that it is not necessarily appreciated.

I, too, see several red flags. It's irresponsible for a substitute MD to be unilaterally changing things during a short tenure; if he/she didn't agree with the direction of the parish, the option was always open to not fill in.

If you're a regular parishioner, having a meeting with the new pastor to neutrally explain the situation and your concerns can't hurt. I wouldn't be especially worried that substitute MD would change the long-term trajectory of the music; if the pastor does his homework rather than hiring based on the last few Masses, he should hire someone in line with who was expected before.

The NO is designed to be unpredictable from week to week depending on who is “presiding”, “playing” and “participating”. It comes with the turf. We love our options and freedom to be creative. You might suggest large screens if he wants to use alternate music... apparently that is the thing these days. I believe MarkB is knowledgeable on the matter.

This is the kind of comment that does not answer the OP's question and adds absolutely nothing to the discussion.

I would heartily suggest that you make an appointment with the new pastor and inform him (with all due dignity and respect) what the music was like before this fellow stepped in, and that you, and others, would like very much to see a return to that regimen.

I would also talk about this with some of your fellow parishioners, garnering support and making note of any support for your cause.

Catholics, as a rule, will sit and bat an eye or blink at most any sort of music that any one can drag up. Or, they will just remain silent and passively assume that 'that is what father wants'.

Good luck to you - and your new pastor.

And, Schonbergian is absolutely right. Yet another slur on the NO is inapropos, untrue, and unhelpful. One could just as well compose a rock or pop-styled mass in Latin and perform it at an EF liturgy, saying that the EF 'called for it'. Balderdash!

Just leveling with my own experience being in the same position numerous times.

JClangfo,

Since I get to agree with you, I want to do so.

Verdi and Schubert were on his list, among others, because he did not want nationalism infecting the Church, nor soupy sentimentalism dressed up as religion.

Yet another slur on the NO is inapropos, untrue

This is the kind of comment that does not answer the OP's question and adds absolutely nothing to the discussion.

I take offense.

There is no slur here... nor untruth... my insights add significant perspective to this discussion based on first hand wisdom as a long time devotee of the NO mass. I have been working in the NO for five decades and STILL DO, and am only speaking from experience and real world situations.

If you work in the NO you have to be ready for a change on moments notice... And that change can come from a deacon, visiting priest, parish members who have an itch to join the “music ministry” (by far the greatest thorn in the flesh of a DoM), visiting bishop, family members who wish to sing or play for a funeral, wedding, or other special occasion liturgy, and yes, the new style or approach of an incoming DoM or rock guitarist. (forgot to include the fully participating Liturgy Committee... they are capable of martyring a DoM)

In Wyoming along with my usual weekend Masses I was directing the music for 25 destination weddings each summer that ranged from a simple TLM to full rock group scenarios. I never knew what was coming next and had to be a chameleon that could change style at a moments notice... from Bach to Rock and “Bach” again. It’s just the nature of the beast.

Once there was a funeral where the entire family were rock musicians and they wanted to play a song from the 60s with full set up... bass and guitar with amps, drums, keyboard, back up singers... I told the family it was not appropriate for Mass let alone a funeral... however, the pastor wanted it to proceed and I told him I would not be playing music for that Mass. He respected my conscience on the matter, but they proceeded to play the song at communion... I believe it was “Turn, Turn” by the Byrds. They performed it quite well, musically speaking. It was just like a concert with accompanying applause.

The point here is that I am giving solid advice on what to expect if one attends the new mass... you really have to come to grips with the free minded creative expression that is the norm for this reality.

However, I have never had to endure pounding raucous keyboard playing... but I did wear earplugs for a number of years.

The NO is designed to be unpredictable from week to week depending on who is “presiding”, “playing” and “participating”. It comes with the turf. We love our options and freedom to be creative. You might suggest large screens if he wants to use alternate music... apparently that is the thing these days.

I forget the source now, but one mathematician calculated all the possible permutations of the NO when you take into account all the various options and it was in the Trillions (with a T) if I'm not mistaken. Definitely billions. I have witnessed a large spectrum of options that, in truth, are hard to reconcile and believe they are the same rite.

The thing I still can't quite comprehend with the OP is the need to bring in his own electric keyboard... that seems to indicate not only a preference for modern hymnody (if you can call it that) but a desire to render the music in a pop idiom to boot. I have only ever brought a keyboard into church to run a hauptwerk rig and creat a faux continuo organ to still do appropriate repertoire.