Hello, I'm new, and I'm learning the depths of my ignorance, having previously considered myself a well-educated (but not formally trained as a "minister") Catholic church musician.
I would like to read an overview essay about the Four-Hymn Sandwich: a definition and historical overview (i.e., how we got from wanting to sing something at low mass to being forced to sing "I Am the Bread of Life" at funerals), and some of its problems.
Then I would like to read an essay (or several) about why it's problematic, or more specifically, whether gently pushing one's parish away from G&P/W towards traditional hymns is a worthwhile goal vs. skip-straight-to-sung-propers. Also, Protestant vs. Catholic hymns. Clearly not all Protestant hymns are appropriate: which are best? (Another essay or set of essays.)
I've read a lot of old threads. What I'm looking for is a synthesis, here or on another site, or even in a (gasp) book. Is there any consensus, or only competing schools of thought?
From my perspective, singing traditional hymns is, generally speaking (or singing), a major improvement over the Glory & Praise school, but I'm willing to be educated.
Another essay I'd like to read is: what post-Vatican II music found in the generally accepted hymnals by the dominant three publishers are worthwhile? I've avoided all of it for so long that I have no idea if there might be a few hidden gems.
I would like to read an overview essay about the Four-Hymn Sandwich: a definition and historical overview (i.e., how we got from wanting to sing something at low mass to being forced to sing "I Am the Bread of Life" at funerals), and some of its problems.
Then I would like to read an essay (or several) about why it's problematic, or more specifically, whether gently pushing one's parish away from G&P/W towards traditional hymns is a worthwhile goal vs. skip-straight-to-sung-propers. Also, Protestant vs. Catholic hymns. Clearly not all Protestant hymns are appropriate: which are best? (Another essay or set of essays.)
I've read a lot of old threads. What I'm looking for is a synthesis, here or on another site, or even in a (gasp) book. Is there any consensus, or only competing schools of thought?
From my perspective, singing traditional hymns is, generally speaking (or singing), a major improvement over the Glory & Praise school, but I'm willing to be educated.
Another essay I'd like to read is: what post-Vatican II music found in the generally accepted hymnals by the dominant three publishers are worthwhile? I've avoided all of it for so long that I have no idea if there might be a few hidden gems.