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Views from the Choir Loft

Annibale Bugnini’s Commentary (June 1967)

Jeff Ostrowski · July 2, 2015

570 Hannibal Bugnini IMAGE HEN I FIRST READ Annibale Bugnini’s massive book, “The Reform of the Liturgy,” I recall being struck by his polemical—almost petulant—tone. It was as if all his pent-up ire finally had an opportunity to be released, and he reserved special contempt for one of the heroes of sacred music, Msgr. Johannes Overath. For Bugnini, there was no such thing as a valid criticism or suggestion; these were labeled as “attacks” (a word he uses constantly throughout the 974 pages of his book).

The tone is quite different this 1967 document in which Bugnini reflects on Tres Abhinc Annos (a.k.a. “The Second Instruction”) promulgated on 4 May 1967:

    * *  PDF • Commentary on TRES ABHINC ANNOS

This document is unimportant—since massive liturgical changes came two years later—but what’s interesting is Bugnini’s euphoric tone and overstated claims about liturgical changes. His testimony is 100% at odds with what I’ve been told by priests and laymen who experienced the reforms of the 1960s, yet Bugnini claims the changes have “been received everywhere with great satisfaction.” For instance:

The faithful everywhere have responded generously, and have greeted the “new” liturgy with great joy. There can be no doubt that interest in the liturgy has increased…

The recent “Second Instruction” on liturgical modifications has been received everywhere with great satisfaction and…with a spirit of joy…

Yet, you can see from his commentary that he desires more. For instance:

Our experience of the vernacular, and of celebrations versus populum, has shown that certain particular ceremonies are no longer of use; they can easily be changed, without altering the present liturgical books, in harmony with the guidelines of the renewal.

It’s also important to read Cardinal Antonelli’s testimony regarding Archbishop Bugnini.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Annibale Bugnini Reform Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Impelled by the weightiest of reasons, we are fully determined to restore Latin to its position of honor, and to do all We can to promote its study and use. The employment of Latin has recently been contested in many quarters, and many are asking what the mind of the Apostolic See is in this matter. We have therefore decided to issue the timely directives contained in this document, so as to ensure that the ancient and uninterrupted use of Latin be maintained and, where necessary, restored.”

— Pope John XXIII (22 February 1962)

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