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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Nostalgia Is Not Rigid

Dr. Alfred Calabrese · December 1, 2016

606 Larger AM NOSTALGIC for lots of things. That’s why I’m going to see the new movie musical La La Land when It comes out. They say the lead actors remind us of the great dance partners of bygone days, Astaire and Rogers or Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. I like movies of the 1930s and 1940s, especially around the holidays. I watch lots of them; The Bells of St. Mary’s, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas. I really love that time period, sometimes imagining myself living then, sort of nostalgically. Why? I wasn’t even born when these movies were made. I have no memory of those times. How could I be nostalgic for them? Is there something wrong with me?

I also enjoy studying American history, especially the eras of both World Wars. I sometimes wish I had lived during those times, not because they were great times in which to live (they weren’t, for obvious reasons) but because I’d like to have had the opportunity to know my ancestors when they were young, to be part of those family stories I heard about and experienced only briefly after they were much older. I’d also like to have known some of the composers of those days. I have an admiration for the sacrifices of the people of that era. I admire their work ethic. But is there some other strange reason I have these pangs of nostalgia? Am I being too rigid? Am I being defensive about something? Should I dig deeper? Maybe there is something wrong with me psychologically.

I work and live in a Vatican II parish in a Vatican II diocese. I’ve been to exactly four Extraordinary Form Masses in my entire life (at least that I am old enough to remember). I have no need to advocate for or against which form of Mass is better than another. My personal musical preferences are for those prescribed in the traditions of the Church: polyphony and chant and Latin. But I am also a strong advocate for English cathedral anthems and good hymnody when appropriate. I like my liturgies well-rehearsed and soberly executed. I appreciate traditional vestments and I feel that rubrics matter. But no matter the style of music or the language used, above all I am a champion for beauty and for all involved to give only their very best effort to the worship of God.

I don’t think young people (or most people, frankly) are drawn to the pre-conciliar Mass because of nostalgia. I think they’re looking for a deeper understanding of the faith, and richer way to experience it. Perhaps they’re looking for a way to connect with their ancestors, or with the saints! Some people find this in the Traditional Mass while others find it in a beautifully celebrated Novus Ordo.

I’ve met some of these young people. I wouldn’t consider them rigid. Rather, I submit that they are anything but. Often criticized, sometimes ostracized, and usually misunderstood, could it be that they are actually counter cultural, out-of-the-box non-conformists? This can be said of anyone who goes against the prevailing winds of society and pop culture. You don’t have to attend the Latin Mass to be one of these people. Simply being a young person who attends Mass regularly and tries to live the way the Church teaches is countercultural. Instead of wondering what’s wrong with folks, especially the younger ones who actually love to attend Mass, shouldn’t we just be extremely happy that they do? But maybe I’m just being too rigid. I’ll dig deeper.

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

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Dr. Alfred Calabrese

Dr. Alfred Calabrese is Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, TX. He and his wife have two children.—(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Music List” • 21st in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Our choir returns on Sunday, 24 August 2025. Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for it, which is the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website. When it comes to the feast of the Assumption (15 August 2025), I have uploaded the music list for that Mass—but not the “bi-lingual” Mass in the evening (Spanish, Latin, and English) which has completely different music.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 21st Sunday Ordin. Time
    You can download the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON in English for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) which is coming up on 24 August 2025. Corresponding to the vocalist score is this free organ accompaniment. It’s set in a melancholy mode, but if you heard my choir’s female voices singing it your soul would be uplifted beyond belief. If you’re someone who enjoys rehearsal videos, this morning I tried to sing it while simultaneously accompanying my voice on the pipe organ.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“A flawless harmonization of Gregorian chant cannot be created by improvisation, no matter the competence and ability of the organist or harmonist.”

— Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel (circa 1940)

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