NLM: How to Plan Music for Mass: Step One

Jeffrey Tucker of The New Liturgical Movement has a thoughtful and probing article on the music chosen for Mass. It is well worth reading! Here is a snippet:

People simply did not know or care that the Roman Rite comes with its own music that is part of the structure of the liturgy. The New Mass was rushed out as a text alone, rather than an entire liturgical package that included music as part of the structure, as much as the readings themselves. Vatican II said that that the chants of the Mass are to assume the primary role, but, in practice, this instruction became a dead letter. And, yes, I am aware that the problem predates 1970, but the complete loss of consciousness took place within the last decades.

Many are working right now to repair the damage and recapture what has been lost, using the Graduale Romanum as the guide. But bad habits are hard to break. Musicians just aren't accustomed to considering which Mass they are instructed to do.

For example, let's say there is a funeral Mass. The family comes to us and says that they would like this song and that song. We consider the request and grant as much as possible. In doing this, we have become accustomed to think of ourselves as glorified jukeboxes, no better than a band at a bar taking requests.

So what should be the response to the request that we provide music for a funeral? The response is simple: "We will have a Requiem Mass." The music is part of the structure. It means the Requiem Mass propers and suitable ordinary setting.

Yes, there are options in the New Mass. We can do other suitable music. But there is a standard against which we are judge for what is suitable and that standard is the Graduale Romanum. The standard is not what will make people happy, what will maximize participation, what will look and sound good on Youtube, or anything else. Our job is provide the music of the Mass for the Mass.

Great and very thoughtful essay...check this one out!