Re: Musical innovations in church

Date: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 04:42:40 GMT
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
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Karen, you and I come from very different backgrounds, but we are both
experiencing the same problem. The dilemma of musical interludes
during the Mass has become an increasing problem in Catholic churches
as well. From background music, to music during silence, I have
experienced all of the problems of which you have spoken.
As for background music during the Invocation, it is entirely
inappropriate. I worked hard to get it removed from my parish, and
working even harder to keep it gone. The same goes for music during
moments of silence. It is a three-fold problem. First, the indecision
of the parish priests, who do not want to fool with tradition, or
hamper a wave of "liturgical renovation". Second, there is the
congregation, who, though they might detest it, stomach these musical
moments because they feel that the priest has authorized them and are
afraid to mention their disgust to their pastor. The third, and
largest problem are the music groups themselves. There are various
musicians at my parish. We have organists, we have solo singers, and
we have a contemporary music band. The problem with all three of these
groups is the same. They have forgotten that they are in Church and
that they are to provide musical accompaniment. The music is supposed
to compliment the Mass, not the other way around. Musicians have
forgotten where they are, and have begun to believe that they are on a
Broadway stage or performing in some grand theatre. Church has stopped
being a solemn hour, and has instead become a song and dance
spectacular. I happen to know that the musical groups at my Parish
practice for WEEKS(!) to get a song right, and fill it with rounds and
musical backgrounds. The fact of the matter is that the musicians are
not performers, the congregation is not an audience, and the Church is
not a Broadway Theatre. We, who have found the distate in these shows,
must take steps to remind our pastors, and our fellow parishoners of
these simple facts.