Recently I entered into an online discussion with people interested in Western Rite Orthodoxy and, in particular, the use of music in this newly developing phenomenon, primarily in the USA and Europe. I thought it would be a good idea to share on this blog the comments made on the topic. I will also make further comments, and hopefully readers of this blog might add theirs. The discussion began with a post from a parishioner of a Western Rite Parish in MA, who asked for some assistance in developing music for the “Mass” in their parish.

Here it is. “I’d like some feedback on folks what they are doing for music at the services. I have recently been asked to help out with the choir at my church and find there are so many options it’s almost overwhelming. We follow the St. Gregory liturgy and we did get the St. Ambrose Hymnal. I’m trying to work in some Taize and Byzantine chant. The majority of the parish is from a more contemporary background, and the musical selections have been somewhat haphazard since the parish became Othodox . I’m trying to make everyone happy (not easy). Would like to hear from others for suggestions. Thanks”

My observation: It is quite evident that this person is being asked as an interested and devoted parishioner, and not a a professional musician. And it is also evident that this parish community is rather new to this tradition, and perhaps has been set on a journey without too much preparation, at least in liturgical practice & music.

The next post was made by a student from one of the Orthodox colleges in the Northeast, who serves at another Western Orthodox parish nearby. His comments reflect a knowledge of Western Liturgical Music, as well as some of his practical experience in the field. “Ah, the perennial issue of music! A few suggestions starting with, out with the Taize in with the Tallis;) The real question is what is appropriate music for Orthodox worship? Chant is of primary importance. The whole history of Western Church music stems from Gregorian Chant (even the polyphony of Palestrina). The wonderful thing about living today is the fact that pretty much all of it has been translated into English and much of it is very singable. The propers for Sundays and feastdays are all available online, as well as settings of the mass. If you like I can send you some links. Next we go to hymns. Hymns were never actually part of the Mass itself, but come mostly from the Divine Office and various other liturgical celebrations. However, that doesn’t mean hymns don’t have a place in the Mass. But we do need to consider appropriate hymns for Mass, and making sure that the hymns agree with Orthodox doctrine. Unfortunately, that means that there might be some of our favorite hymns that are not appropriate for use. We need to be especially careful with contemporary hymns and sacred music in general. The W.R. Vicariate doesn’t have a comprehensive list of good hymn choices (perhaps they should get on that). As for general styles of music and instruments. The human voice has supremacy over all other instruments in the Western (and Eastern) Churches. Chant was a capella, as was the Mass. What they would often do is go back and forth between the organ and the choir singing in the alternatum method. Now it is generally accepted that organ accompaniment is just fine. The organ comes second only to the unaccompanied voice in use in churches. From hymn accompaniment to postludes, the organ is the most versatile instrument. Guitars, drums, and glockenspiels do not have a place in the liturgy. They are fine for use in the church hall afterwards, but not liturgical use. The one thing to remember when thinking about sacred music is that it is meant to help us experience the otherworldliness of the Liturgy. We go to Church to escape this world, during it we are present in the Kingdom of Heaven. All the things in the Liturgy are meant to be different, so different, from what we experience in every day life. And music is one of the most important parts of this experience.”

(to be continued)