“In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem”
This is part 6 of 8 on Chapter VI “Sacred Music” taken from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium solemnly promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on December 4, 1963. Please also read Vatican II and Sacred Music by Kurt Poterack, Ph.D found in the Spring 1999 issue of Sacred Music.
Just as important of the choice and style of music is in Mass, so is the choice of instrument played in Mass.
What role do musical instruments play? The same rule that applies to the choice of songs also applies to the choice of instruments. What instruments are most “like Gregorian chant in its movement, its inspiration, and its feeling”? The Pipe Organ is primary
“In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things. But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.”[i]
Many instruments are not are not suitable for sacred use. Rock and Roll instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums) is secular in nature and not in accord with the dignity of the temple. In the same manner two turn tables, which are great in the secular club, do not have a place in the liturgy. If we are okay with Rock and Roll instrumentation, would we be equally ok with hip hop instrumentation, or any other genre of music, is there a difference?
What musical instruments are appropriate for worship? “If asked this question by an ordinary parish of the Roman Rite, I would respond that the pipe organ comes first and foremost; it is our sacred instrument. After this, if one wanted to augment the organ with a brass quintet, or string quartet, or some other combination of dignified, orchestral instruments for feast days, this would be fine, too.”[ii]
Why are these other instruments beside the organ recommended? “These norms must be applied to the use of the organ or other musical instruments. Among the musical instruments that have a place in church the organ rightly holds the principal position, since it is especially fitted for the sacred chants and sacred rites. It adds a wonderful splendor and a special magnificence to the ceremonies of the Church. It moves the souls of the faithful by the grandeur and sweetness of its tones. It gives minds an almost heavenly joy and it lifts them up powerfully to God and to higher things. Besides the organ, other instruments can be called upon to give great help in attaining the lofty purpose of sacred music, so long as they play nothing profane nothing clamorous or strident and nothing at variance with the sacred services or the dignity of the place. Among these the violin and other musical instruments that use the bow are outstanding because, when they are played by themselves or with other stringed instruments or with the organ, they express the joyous and sad sentiments of the soul with an indescribable power. Moreover, in the encyclical Mediator Dei, We Ourselves gave detailed and clear regulations concerning the musical modes that are to be admitted into the worship of the Catholic religion. ‘For, if they are not profane or unbecoming to the sacredness of the place and function and do not spring from a desire to achieve extraordinary and unusual effects, then our churches must admit them, since they can contribute in no small way to the splendor of the sacred ceremonies, can lift the mind to higher things, and can foster true devotion of the soul.’”[iii]
What is to be done about the many folk and contemporary groups which have been playing at Masses throughout this country for the past 45 years or so? “The answer is that, quite simply, they must be phased out. Now the twin virtues of charity and prudence will have to be exercised by the pastor and music director. Perhaps, for the time being, the prescribing of the good rather than the proscribing of the bad, will be the prudent course in many locales. However, if we are to have a recovery of the sense of the sacred on a large scale among our Catholic populace, eventually instruments and music with heavy secular associations will have to be excised from the liturgy and the talents of the people involved in such music employed elsewhere.”[iv] In addition of charity and prudence courage is necessary to make these changes.
It is important to understand that the Church is not saying guitars, bass guitars, drums, and turntables are bad; they are just not appropriate for the Sacredness of the Mass.
[i] Sacrosanctum Concilium; Section 120
[ii] Kurt Poterack; Vatican II and Sacred Music; page 18
[iii] Musicae sacrae disciplina: article 58-60, Pope Pius XII, 1955
[iv] Kurt Poterack; Vatican II and Sacred Music; page 18