HOSE WHO LOVE a particular subject—in the way our readers love CARMEN GREGORIANUM—must be forgiven for their obsession with this topic. But we need to be careful, lest our deep passion frighten away priests and bishops who would otherwise be supporters of our cause. Perhaps an example will illustrate what I’m getting at. This coming Sunday’s ENTRANCE CHANT has an interesting discrepancy, here set forth in a PDF chart. Notice how some editions of the Graduale Romanum have “In nómine Jesu” whereas other editions have “In nómine Dómini.” Naturally, where syllables differ in number, the melody must bend to accommodate them.
[I strongly urge each one of you to go download the PDF score and keyboard accompaniment posted at the flourishing feasts website.]
Plainsong Prudence • Regarding the discrepancy this Sunday, let’s keep that to ourselves. While we find it fascinating, it’s a bit esoteric (i.e. ‘boring’) for many Catholics! The last thing we want to do is leave the impression that CARMEN GREGORIANUM is dull.
(1 of 3) Introit + Hymn • Following the Second Vatican Council, respect for the Sacred Scriptures waned. The council fathers did not intend to diminish Catholic reverence for Sacred Scripture; but diminish it did, in the years that followed. Because the Propria Missae are usually taken verbatim from Sacred Scripture, they “had to go” in the eyes of certain radical reformers. In the year 2026, each music director must decide which ‘hills’ they wish to die upon. I can only speak for myself.
(2 of 3) Introit + Hymn • For many years, Mr. Jeffrey Tucker edited SACRED MUSIC, the quarterly journal of the Church Music Association of America. In 2012, he posted documentation from the USCCB reminding everyone a hymn can be sung in addition to the ENTRANCE CHANT prescribed for each Sunday. One thing I will never consent to do is to sing the ENTRANCE CHANT before Mass begins. Priests ‘of a certain generation’ seem to hate the decrees of Vatican II, and agree to 1% of it only begrudgingly. For example, some will say to their musician:
“I know Vatican II said GREGORIAN CHANT must have pride of place, so I will allow you to sing the Introit—but only before Mass begins.”
(3 of 3) Introit + Hymn • Singing the INTROIT before Mass begins sends a message. It communicates to the congregation that the INTROIT isn’t really part of the Mass. It conveys powerfully to the people that the INTROIT is somehow ‘superfluous’ or extra. If a priest told me to sing the INTROIT before Mass begins, I would consent only on the condition that he agrees to preach his homily in the parking lot after Mass, as the people are getting into their cars to go home. 1
Conclusion • Colleagues of mine (whom I respect) take a different view. I can only speak for myself.
Key words: “PDF Download • Entrance Chant in English — 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)”
1 At least there’s a tradition for preaching the homily before or after Mass (especially in “mission” countries like Australia and the United States). Indeed, during a REQUIEM Mass, the homily is supposed to be preached after the Mass. But there is no tradition for singing the INTROIT before Mass begins—and each Mass takes its name from the INTROIT: Laetare Sunday; Gaudete Sunday; Quasimodo Sunday; and so forth.
