John Paul II wrote a Chirograph marking the centenary of the above Motu Proprio -- also an interesting read.
Also, Pius XII wrote an encyclical letter, Musicae Sacrae, on the subject in 1955. (Of course, his epic encyclical, Mediator Dei, published in 1947, also discussed the topic of Sacred Music as well as its general discussion of the liturgy.
Pius XI additionally discussed the topic of sacred music in his 1928 Apostolic Constitution, Divini Cultus, as well.
Of course, Pope Benedict wrote and spoke on the subject extensively. If somebody wants, I can provide that as well. I can provide references if somebody wants.
Finally, I would point the reader to this interesting article where Bishop Slattery (Tulsa) broke down a history of music.
The point being, while Msgr Pope brings up some good points, there are some VERY serious voices that would disagree with him.
I would cut him a little slack, as you have the issue of "enculturation" to deal with. And the Church has always been supportive of enculturation as part of Her missionary work.
Msgr Pope ping
I always like to point out there was a time when “Amazing Grace” or “The Old Rugged Cross” were “new church music”. I am sure there were some a’gin ‘em at first, as well.
IMHO, the Church Of England, and subsequently the Episcopal Church in the US had the greatest Western Rite musical traditions, but they’ve both gone so far left that I doubt that anyone other than homosexuals hears any of it anymore.
But I’ve got an old Episcopal Hymnal and play a passable piano, so….
Lipstick on a pig....
And regarding this comment
One virtue of Gospel music, unlike most other contemporary expressions, is its focus on God.
***
Perhaps the focus in the words is on God, but, from what I have seen, the focus seems to be more on the performer’s vocal gymnastics. IMO, this form of music is disrespectful and disruptive in the worship space.
Informative outline. It skips a period between baroque and gospel. Hymns have characterized congegrational singing since when?
for your Sarah
Music is war of the highest order.
I enjoyed the article, especially the historic parts. Thank you for posting it in its entirety.
Ping!
Not addressed is the matter of including musical instruments (other than the human voice) in the liturgy. Some Orthodox and a few non liturgical traditions still do not allow it.
Gregorian chant, thank goodness it’s on the way back.
Gregorian Chant on EWTN
Gregorian chant gains momentum in Anchorage
Gregorian Chant Revival (Nice Video For A Slow Day)
Vatican experts say Pope may propose reform of liturgical music in coming weeks
Bad Music is Destroying the Church
What does the Church Really Say about Music in Mass?
The "Gathering of Witnesses" (recap Monday's BCL Subcommittee on Liturgy and Music)
I Had a Dream: The Music of Palestrina and Gregory the Great Had Come Back
A Change of Tune in the Vatican (shift taking place in liturgical music)
Pope Against Pop Music In Mass
Next Stop On the Liturgy Train.... (Music!)
St. Louis Jesuits: 'I don't think we're rebels at all' (liturgical music)
Making Music at St. Mary Major; the Becket Battle
SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Participation of the Laity (with music)
Catholic Liturgy - Pre-recorded Music at Mass And More on Communion Services
To make it more interesting, read Revelation 5, where it makes no reference to music in Heaven. It’s all spoken.
And I agree with Msgr. Pope on both points: it's a beautiful melody, and the words are pornographic by the standards of that time. Your average rap song is worse, but still . . . tacky to have set this as a Mass. Especially since de Lassus didn't even bother to conceal the melody. Listen to the Kyrie:
Kyrie: Missa "Entre vous filles"
Nope, he shouldn't oughta done that. But you should read his personal correspondence - the guy was a letch.
"Lives of great men all remind us, as we o'er their pages turn,
That we too may leave behind us letters which we ought to burn."
Much ado about nothing...If it glorifies God, it is worship music and pleases God...
The pendulum swings around a little every time a new style of music becomes popular. The Church has to have time to absorb, to mediate, to purify any new style of too much secularity.
BUT in modern times, we have to be extra cautious. The Church has much less influence, and the mass media has more. So the old, slow process of mediating music for the Church has been short-circuited, and you have goofballs adopting all sorts of popular nonsense and nobody to rein them in.
One thing which Msgr. Pope missed (probably for reasons of space) - Gospel music can be traced back to Renaissance polyphony by a rather circuitous route. Your classic "straight up" Gospel music has roots in the old shape note hymnals. Those originated in New England in the old "singing schools", which had THEIR origins in the West Gallery music in 18th c. England, which employed the fuguing tunes that had THEIR origins in the English polyphonic school.
So he's right - it IS, au fond, sacred music.
No music at all is fine with me.
I find it lamentable that the music of anti-Catholic religious traditions have wormed their way into the Church. Liberals and progressives have long held tradition in any form in disdain and it comes as no surprise to me that the liberals within the Church are stripping away her sense of traditional music to the point where most Catholics have little understanding or regard for the Church’s historical heritage and yet go chasing after the often theologically challenged traditions of non-Catholic worshipping communities.