[Magdalen] Epiphany

[Cantor03 at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/7/2015 11:41:42 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
houstonklr at gmail.com writes:

I was  intrigued when our cathedral called the new Dean almost 2 years ago 
now...  we had been in the pause mode for both gospel and post sermon, but 
we 
now  have music, music, music.  At first it was a jolt, and I sometimes 
still  
find my self missing the quiet  pauses.>>>>>
 
This parallels the contrast between the old Latin Tridentine Mass in
its two forms:  (1) Low Mass, which is said without any music, but  since
there is much of it that is sotto voce (inaudible - something  apparently
imported from the Eastern Rites), the Rite has a lot of silences; and
(2) Solemn High Mass during which and for which music, either
instrumental or choral is essentially continuous.  I think the  expression
"cover" music was invented to describe the High Mass.
 
The music filled Solemn High Mass is always described as the older
form and the "norm" for worship, and not the other way around, as
many thought in the pre-Vatican 2 days, so to quote one author,
"Music was born singing".
 
That said, there is something refreshing and deeply spiritual about a
said liturgy such as the Tridentine Low Mass and this would include  such
as the said 8 AM Eucharist's so typical of TEC parishes.   There.   I've
said it.  I never thought I would admit that liturgy can be spiritual  and
meaningful without music, but, quite honestly, it can.
 
 
David Strang - Older, and perhaps wiser.