Posted on by Jeffrey Tucker

Ponitifical High Mass with Polyphony – Cardinal Zen

Of interest to anyone truly concerned that music of the Mass have the widest possible cultural appeal.

4 Replies to “Ponitifical High Mass with Polyphony – Cardinal Zen”

  1. I'm afraid this clip illustrates the point that where polyphony is likely to be done badly, it is better not done at all, because it is likely to distract from prayer rather than strengthen it. The simpler chants are well within the abilities of a choir that can't manage polyphony, and a cantor or cantors can sing the more difficult propers.

    I'm sorry if that sounds like a GOM talking, but music should be at the service of the liturgy rather than our aspirations.

  2. Still sounds better than the Sistine Choir.

    Seriously, though, the credo might have started a bit rough, but it picked up near the end. And the sicut was not done badly at all. They're suffering from bad acoustics more than anything else.

Comments are closed.