Chanting the Propers: A Comparative Study of Selected English Sources for the Catholic Mass

Abstract

Following the Second Vatican Council, the texts of the Catholic Mass, including the Propers, were translated into the vernacular. This shift away from the Latin liturgical texts created the need for new musical settings to fit the new texts of the Propers. The function of the Propers was also altered in the transition between pre-Vatican II and post-Vatican II liturgies. English chant Propers have been published beginning in 1964 and continuing until the present day. Similarities and contrasts between these publications are found based on the following criteria: melodic and modal structure of the antiphons; chant versus modern notation; a simple listing of which Propers are set; the translation of the text; function and use in the Novus Ordo, including choral and congregational participation; and musical interpretation of the chants. Five modern sources of English Propers that have been selected for this study include: Simple English Propers (Adam Bartlett); Lumen Christi Simple Gradual (Bartlett); Lalemant Propers (Jeff Ostrowski); Proper of the Mass (Fr. Samuel Weber, O.S.B.); and St. Meinrad Entrance and Communion Antiphons for the Church Year (Fr. Columba Kelly, O.S.B.). The two publications by Adam Bartlett: Simple English Propers and Lumen Christi Simple Gradual receive particular attention in these areas.