alan29 wrote:Maybe there is a case for Bishops directing that nothing should be sung if the alleluia and eucharistic acclamations are not sung.
Wasn't (should it be) the purpose of Singing the Mass?
Maybe some things just need repeating until the penny drops? Came across this http://www.themovechannel.com/news/0f9a86e6-cff2/? about the new "Liturgical art and sacred music commission." Just to quote one sentence ...... "It will only be responsible for liturgical art, not for sacred art in general; and this also goes for liturgical music and singing too. The judicial powers of the Congregation for Divine Worship will have the power to act." What on earth can that mean?
Gedackt flute wrote:I don't think that there is any law that RC's follow in matters liturgical or otherwise. People simply make up their own minds.
I was contrasting 'spirit' and 'law'. But, anyway, we do have instructions in the form of the GIRM. Whether people obey it or not does not mean it doesn't exist.
(Can we please resist the urge to go off-topic at the slightest excuse?)
Musicus, in reply to your original question, Martin Foster mentioned this 'dispensation' at the Composers Day at Hammersmith earlier this year, so an enquiry to him may yield the information you're seeking?