The New Texts: Formation (discussion)

[contrabordun]

Apologies if this is OT - I'd mentally ruled out using revised versions of our existing repertoire, on the assumption that the very familiarity of the music would make it harder for people to get to grips with the odd change here or there. Would be interested to hear any comments from practical experience.

[Nick Baty]

I've not found it too successful.
We've used two revised settings and two new settings.
Our folk are singing the new settings with much more oomph!
They sound a tad nervous about the revised versions.

[mcb]

We've used two revised settings and two new settings.

In a month?! How does your assembly keep up?

We're taking it slowly - so far, just a revised Sanctus, which doesn't seem to have caused any problems, and a newly composed Memorial Acclamation A based on some of the same melodic material. This too (as far as I can tell after three outings) seems to be working as well as the old ones used to. We're moving on to Acclamation B for a few weeks on Sunday. Small steps.

When the Easter season is over, we'll add a (new, through-composed) Gloria, which will be more of a challenge. I want to try a revised Gloria at some point too - I like Peter Jones's revised Coventry Gloria very much, and I think people will take to it.

[Nick Baty]

In a month?! How does your assembly keep up?

Well, I could admit we'd actually done them over four months but that would make us sound a tad naughty! Besides, they were only sets of acclamations so, for two of them, it was only about fitting in the words a tad differently.

I like Peter Jones's revised Coventry Gloria very much, and I think people will take to it.

I'm desperate for sight of copy. And I've hinted fairly heavily.

[presbyter]

I'm desperate for sight of copy. And I've hinted fairly heavily.

Well the afternoon session at the Seminar at Hammersmith began with this piece and, I think, it was used with permission at two cathedrals for the recent Chrism Mass. It must be somewhere along the line in the panel/ICEL permission to publish procedure. I wouldn't mind seeing a copy too!

[Southern Comfort]

SC mentions that the Gathering Mass has been revised - as this was written for Northampton diocese many moons ago and our congregation seem to know it - who has published it and where is it available?

The rumour I hear is that Decani Music and McCrimmon will be including this in their forthcoming resources.

[presbyter]

[
The rumour I hear is that Decani Music and McCrimmon will be including this in their forthcoming resources.

No that anyone knows what these will be yet. Not much advertising on the websites or in magazines.

[Nick Baty]

No that anyone knows what these will be yet. Not much advertising on the websites or in magazines.

Could be that they're being held up at the approval stage. No point advertising something if you can't be sure you'll be allowed to produce it!

[NorthernTenor]

SC mentions that the Gathering Mass has been revised - as this was written for Northampton diocese many moons ago and our congregation seem to know it - who has published it and where is it available?

The rumour I hear is that Decani Music and McCrimmon will be including this in their forthcoming resources.

:speechless:

[mcb]

:speechless:

:excellent:

[NorthernTenor]

SC mentions that the Gathering Mass has been revised - as this was written for Northampton diocese many moons ago and our congregation seem to know it - who has published it and where is it available?

The rumour I hear is that Decani Music and McCrimmon will be including this in their forthcoming resources.

No that anyone knows what these will be yet. Not much advertising on the websites or in magazines.

Could be that they're being held up at the approval stage. No point advertising something if you can't be sure you'll be allowed to produce it!

I'm beginning to change my mind about the approval process. It might have its uses after all.

[johnquinn39]

Not sure what point you are trying to make here NT.

The Gathering Mass is hugely popular - and in my view, as soon as we have it back the better.

[NorthernTenor]

It's dreadful, John, in a shallow, feel-good, self-indulgent sort of way that's entirely unsuited to the sober, contemplative nature of our Rite. It's the musical equivalent of the crimplene, garishly coloured vestments that found favour back in the 80's and about as dated. I only have to hear it to break out in a sweat equal to that suffered by those who wore the vestments. I had hoped that the new texts would see the back of this excrescence on the body liturgical, and its ilk. Seemingly not.

[mcb]

De gustibus non disputandum, I guess. But some people's gusti aren't deserving of a great deal of respect. NT, you sound like an adolescent scoffing at love songs, having never experienced what the song is about. Tell me, have you ever experienced a gathered assembly united in sung prayer?

[NorthernTenor]

I'm afraid the Emperors really lack clothes, mcb.