Yes. Is the concern that a monodic composition would be considered "chant" in an unapproved version, that it would contradict the wording in the DMS instruction to the effect that "Modern sacred music is likewise sung in many voice-parts, but at times with instrumental accompaniment," or something else?Is it possible to compose modern music for mass (EF) that is a single melody with lyrics accompanied by an organ and not two or more voices singing?
I ask because everything that is a version of something simple to sing the text of the proper of mass that I have seen to date is some type of psalmodic tone: I have never seen a melody in proportional rhythm with modern notation created specifically for groups that cannot have the adequate proficiency to sing the chants of the gradual or polyphonic motets and that want something more than the monotony of the Rossini-style psalmodic tone.
It's easier to justify extending something than returning to it, having left it. Our music exists for the words, not vice-versa.
De musica sacra et sacra liturgia, 21:
"a) It is strictly forbidden to change in any way the sung text, to alter or omit words, or to introduce inappropriate repetitions. This applies also to compositions of sacred polyphony, and modern sacred music: each word should be clearly, and distinctly audible.
b) It is explicitly forbidden to omit either the whole or a part of any liturgical text unless the rubrics provide for such a change."
Byrd and Isaac worked under different rubrics.
Yes. Is the concern that a monodic composition would be considered "chant" in an unapproved version, that it would contradict the wording in the DMS instruction to the effect that "Modern sacred music is likewise sung in many voice-parts, but at times with instrumental accompaniment," or something else?
Some would have us think that singing amen ten times is fine when Palestrina does it, but an abuse when a 19th-century composer does the same. I would see repeating the words Gloria in excelsis Deo! or Credo in unum Deum! at the end of the movement as objectionable even when a first-rate composer does it, as some indeed have.The main thing is defining what" inappropriate" means, since, as you noticed, most traditional composers used a lot of repetitions.
I was actually responding there to Lincoln_Hein's "related question" about monodic propers. The following format would be totally unproblematic:The concern is repeating the antiphon and alleluia
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.
