[Magdalen] Psalm - Whither Goeth Thou?

[Robert Rea]

On Friday, March 13, 2015 12:41:07 AM Cantor03--- via Magdalen wrote:
> A little liturgical fun -
> 
> I responded to this discussion at a completely different level, by  stating
> what I have learned through the decades from the experts (I do not  include
> myself as an "expert!").  My response was that there is no  historical
> tradition for the Psalm in the context of the Eucharist to be of/for  the
> assembly/congregation at all.  The Eucharistic Psalm is traditionally
> of/for
> the contribution of cantor/choir.

A sketch of that history would be useful at this point. Did the people ever 
have this kind of participation in the Eucharist? If so, when, how, and why 
did it end?

> The confusion stems from the tradition that Psalms in the Offices  (Morning
> Prayer/Evensong) ARE of/for the assembly/congregation.  With the  almost
> complete disappearance of Anglican Choral Morning Prayer, and the
> infrequent appearance of Evensong (which is now almost always a  choral
> extravaganza, ironically), the traditional use of Psalms in the Liturgies
> has
> been overlooked/forgotten.

I don't remember that tradition as being very participatory, more 
professional/clerical performance in the presence of the laity. I had no sense 
of participation. In that parish it ended when the choirmaster who handled the 
men and boys choir left for another parish. I was grateful for the Eucharist 
in that time space.

-- 
Bob Rea
mailto:gapetard at stsams.org
http://www.petard.us
http://www.petard.us/blog
http://www.petard.us/gallery

What do you say to Jesus when he comes again?
Where have you been? You said you were coming right back.