The Music in D.C.

A spirited discussion is taking place over at the New Liturgical Movement blog in the comment boxes regarding the list of music I posted this morning. Go take a look at the comments. Most are positive, with a few negative remarks regarding "Let us Break Bread Together," Dan Schutte, and the music for the youth festival.

Someone asked about the music in Washington, D.C. I do not have a complete list, but can pass along all that he told me.

Tom Stehle, who is in charge of music for the D.C. Mass told me that the liturgy will contain many familiar pieces. The opening hymn, for example, will speak of the Holy Spirit, but with a familiar tune – “All Creatures of Our God and King.” The Mass, recall, is a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit with Pentecost readings.

The closing hymn will be “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus,” but with text about the Holy Spirit and being Christ’s presence in the world.

The Alleluia will be taken from the ninth century chant O Filii et Filiae, “O Sons and Daughters” done with a vibrant brass accompaniment. The Gloria will be from the Old Mass of the Angels, without any accompaniment except for handbells.

Stehle said there will be music in Spanish, Latin, French, and English. "There will be a contemporary version of Panis Angelicus, and some old favorites, including “All the Earth” (based on Psalm 100), written in 1966 by Lucien Deiss – a pioneer of the vernacular liturgy," Stehle concluded.

Update: There's a list at Free Republic, but I haven't verified it.

Update II: I have removed the list from my post because Stehle described it as "not complete or accurate." All of the hot air being blown elsewhere looks like it might have been for nothing.

Comments

[jeffrey tucker]

Recall too that Fr. Samuel Weber is writing the propers -- which is the next-best thing to using the Gregorian propers.

[jeffrey tucker]

Can you comment on this report?.

It actually says that the Shrine has chosen to do the Mass of Creation for the Pope. I find that to be beyond belief.

[jeffrey tucker]

Here is the link

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1985940/posts

[Tim Drake]

If they are reporting that there's a Mass at the Shrine, they are mistaken. The only event taking place at the Shrine is a prayer service with the U.S. Bishops in the crypt Church of the Shrine.

[Dante]

Right-- the Mass is at the new Nationals' Stadium in DC, not at the Shrine.

[jeffrey tucker]

I guess I was a bit bleary-headed yesterday in trying to sort all this out. It seems like the Mass in question in April 17th at a stadium. The musical end of it looks to be not only tacky but downright offensive to the Pope's own liturgical project -- perhaps designed to send a message that America is determined to remain liturgically backward even as the rest of the world moves forward.

[Chironomo]

Then again... consider how this might be a GOOD thing...if Benedict is somehow not convinced that there is an urgent and immediate need for serious action concerning liturgical music specifically in the U.S, what better way to convince him than to present this list of music as what is considered to be worthy of a Papal Mass. Not that I condone making a mockery of a Papal Mass to make a point, but....

[jeffrey tucker]

It can't be a good thing. It will send a horrible message to the entire country, demoralize young priests, undermine the work of good musicians, and reverse progress at many levels. It sends the message that not even the Pope can override the anachronistic stance of the Liturgical Industrial Complex in this country.

[william]

The dreadful stuff that we are forced to sing Sunday after Sunday should not be inflicted on the Holy Father, a man fine musical sensibilities. Music of the Haughen, Hass, Joncas, Schutte variety is unworthy and unsuitable.

[NotTheRedBaron]

Massive Cremation is not done at the Shrine thankfully.

[Mary Ann]

"Let Us Break Bread Together" was not written by Dan Schutte. His song, "City of God" is on the list. BTW, Cardinal Laveda is on the board of Oregon Cathloic Press and a few years back was Archbishop of Portland and essentially owned OCP. The Holy Father in his message to Bishops specifically addressed the need to celebrate diversity in culture, music and traditions. I think these song lists were rather well represented. I personlly perfere more traditional music but I'm sad at the petty, bitter chit chat about music and people slambing others who don't share in their preference. Listen to the Pope's message, spend some time in prayer and read the Gospels. I hope these bitter people will find peace.