Posted on by Mr. C

Short Review of the Big Three

I have sinusitus…and a sore throat. I’m not singing at a dress rehearsal for the Rutter “MAGNIFICAT” among 150 other singers tonight. What to do….what to do?
I know! Let’s visit the Big Three and do a “meet and greet” with their newly proffered preview Ordinaries (well, to be honest, the segments that each decided would put the best foot forward) which they anticipate and have obviously banked upon as their thoroughbreds when first we take up the Holy in Advent I, ’11 and the Gloria at either Guadalupe or Christmas Vigil thereafter.

Yes, I pushed “play” for each “newly composed” setting movement from each of  the OCP/GIA/WLP preview pages. And I listened with a purpose founded upon hope. Alas, it was somewhat like Hannibal Lecter commanding Clarice Starling to “Thrill me with your acumen.”

So, this might be the shortest post for CC I’ve ever written. And so it should be. Out of all twenty or so new settings that I, the bait fish, actually looked for the hook, there was nothing but Popeil Pocket Fisherman implements, compositionally speaking. Pale, as advertized on TV clever amusements. Not gonna name names here. I respect all of these folk for their effort and tenures of service. But, not but one setting, to this reviewer, contained a baker’s dozen of thought-through innovation and invention that would capture the attention of both musicians and congregations sufficiently enough to compel them to desire repeating the experience the next Sunday.

So, before I unleash this heresy upon you, I ask you to consider stepping outside of the comfort zone of the WIZARD OF OZ’s pleas and pitches, and consider: the chants for crying out loud to heaven on high! If you ignored JUBILATE DEO, then, out of penance alone, obligate yourself to programming, teaching and, of most difficulty, selling the ICEL chant ordinary. If you long for more, then do some homework, and if you are gifted or know someone who is, compose a worthy setting that either celebrates chant in an obvious, unique and artful manner, or is otherwise worthy of more consideration than a Tinker Toy or Lego formulated setting.

The Heresy: the only major publisher Mass setting excerpts that I thought measured up to those minimal standards- “MASS FOR A NEW WORLD,” David Haas.

I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what else to say.

I suppose I’ll have to pass this on to my unrepentent youth ensembles….David Haas……God bless ‘im.

13 Replies to “Short Review of the Big Three”

  2. I think what he means is that a proponent of sacred music is not, presumably, supposed to be drawn to the work of Haas. I just listened to the Gloria of the piece to which he refers. Within the framework, it is fine. But I'm probably not one to comment since it is not plainsong and I'm pretty well settled on free rhythm as being the model.

  3. This post in unreadable. What exactly is Charles's point? Surely there should be some editorial prerogative exercised on CC?

  4. Fr. Ruff, please take my rejoinder in the spirit of mirth that I genuinely feel about your concern: "Calm down, Father." There is no heresy afoot either in the settings or my ersatz post. (Anon, that is also key to understanding my musings occasionally.)And Jeffrey did exercize his editorial perogative in the interim between going to and rising from my bed. My thought processes often function like a Terry Gilliam film montage. Some folks get it, most get consternated or annoyed.
    But JT's little explanation sums up the post pretty neatly.
    My point: I expected more "beauty" to be self-evident in these (the best?) of what the Big Three were touting. Disappointment.
    The "heresy?" It was a stunner, for me, to realize that out of all those excerpts, the only well-crafted and thoughtful examples were from the greybeard (like myself.) I've never used a David Haas Mass setting. Ever. So, I offered props to this effort. As the kids say, that's how I roll.
    If one has to be a Rhodes scholar, or dreadfully earnest in one's zeal, or some other qualifications to contribute either here or at P/T, then I cannot pass muster for a number of readers.
    There should be a reminder along all of our journeys that when we make plans and sometimes when we wax on, God laughs. I like to laugh now and then as well.

  5. I am not sure that I understand Charles' point; nor do I understand the heresy. Is it theological or musical heresy?
    It would be helpful to know why the rest of the publications from "The Big Three" do or don't measure up to the vague and unstated criteria that Charles applied. For example, where does the Gloria Simplex by Richard Proulx (published by WLP) succeed or fail?
    Are we all looking through a glass darkly?

  6. I wouldn't waste too much time worrying about the big three. They are becoming increasingly irrelevant as they fail to meet the demands of the Pope, the clergy and the congregation. With the availability of good resources for free (from CMAA), people simply aren't going to pay for an inferior product when they can get a better product for free. From an economic standpoint, I don't see how these businesses will be around in the next 10-20 years. Business have to adapt to the market environment or they go the way of blockbuster, circuit city, etc. None of the big 3 have seemed to notice the trends in Catholic Sacred Music. NPM membership dropped 8.5 percent in just one year while organizations like CMAA continue to grow. It doesn't take a brilliant businessman to follow these trends.

  7. You've got to be kidding me. The [Sanctus] from this Mass sounds just like everything that is wrong with "Liturgical" music today. I don't think it's heresy; I think it's ignorance.

  9. I'm starting a series of reviews on all the settings from the major publishers.
    Here is the first in the series, focusing on GIA's new settings.

    My thoughts on Charles' favorite:

    Mass for a New World – David Haas
    The marketing blurb from GIA touts this setting’s “gospel-style” themes, calling them “memorable” and “uplifting.” I might call David’s setting here a lot of things, but “Gospel” is not one of them.
    The style is pretty indicative of why I like listening to David Haas CDs in my car and while doing housework- it sounds like a parade at EPCOT Center! I’m being quite sincere here- the music is enjoyable, easy, well-scored, and well-produced. If you’re a fan of Disney musicals, you ought to pick up the CD.
    As for liturgical suitability, that’s difficult here. The Alleluia presented is quite nice and could work well in a parish that likes an elaborate “Gospel Procession.” The Gloria, on the other hand, just seems to go on forever. I think I’d get bored if I had to pray the whole thing, instead of just listening to it as background music for my laundry-folding or morning commute.

    Read the rest of my Mass setting reviews here!

  11. Cheers, Father Ruff! Thanks for yor patience with me over at your digs for these few months.
    I'm the sort of nut job that God puts on earth so that people can look at the person who stands next to me most of the time and remark "She must be a saint!" Wendy and I been hitched 38 annos come January. She's seen fire and she seen rain….
    Come down to NOLA Intensive, I serve you very fine wine. Dr. Mahrt fell for that two summers ago, and he likes me fine.

  12. If you didn't sing the Haas setting with any of the flutes, bongos, or stupid rhythm section, it wouldn't be too hateful.

    (I kinda want to beat up that smarmy tenor. Though honestly, the soprano section is also asking for a smack. What kind of annoying diction is that?)

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