Proposition 36
The Propositions emerging from the Synod are indeed making waves. In particular, #30 interests musicians (as rendered from Italian by John Allen): "Proposition 36 suggests that in international celebrations the Mass be said in Latin, apart from the readings, the homily, and the Prayers of the Faithful, and that priests be trained from the seminary to use Latin prayers as well as Gregorian Chant. It also recommends that the faithful be educated to do so as well."
Sandro Magister comments:
Sandro Magister comments:
The Mass Benedict XVI celebrated in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 23 closed the synod on the Eucharist in an exemplary manner.
It was exemplary because it offered to all a model of the liturgy which also provides guidelines for the faith, according to the ancient patristic saying: “Lex orandi, lex credendi.”
Benedict XVI chanted the Mass in Latin, in his capacity as bishop of Rome.
The Gospel was chanted in Latin, but then also in Greek immediately afterward, by an Eastern-Rite deacon. This represents the unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, which preserve their different languages, rituals, and songs.
The first two readings were proclaimed in modern languages, and the Pope delivered his homily in various languages.
The songs were all performed according to the great tradition of the Roman Church: from Gregorian chant to ancient and modern polyphony. The voices were those of the “pueri cantores” of the Sistine Chapel, and of the choir of the cathedral of Ratisbonne. The only musical instrument was the organ.
4 Comments:
Does anyone know if the choir sang a polyphonic ordinary (or part of the ordinary) or if they just sang motets?
I only saw part of this Mass, so I only heard the Gloria, as far as the Ordinary is concerned, and you will all be stunned to learn that it was from the Missa de Angelis. I think there may have been some of that fourth-rate counterpoint intermingled with it.
I don't remember much detail anymore about what I saw, which was roughly from the Litany of the Saints through the homily. However, I do remember being disgusted, per usual, at the quality of the music. The responsorial Psalm was laughable.
Did anyone see the rest of the Mass? Was there something wonderful in the music that I missed?
I have to say that based on what I saw, I can't agree with Magister's characterization, as far as the choral music is concerned.
Why was the Ratisbonne choir there? Is this a change in tradition? Is this an attempt to improve the music in Rome?
An addition:
While we should be grateful for proposition #30, it should also be noted that, according to John Allen, it got the highest number of "no" votes in the synod.
"Was there something wonderful in the music that I missed?"
Not really. The "Missa de Angelis" and the usual dreck from the Sistine Chapel's director/composer.
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