Church Music & Liturgy Flashcards

Which 20th-century movement sought to actively involve the laity in sung liturgy, directly influencing the Second Vatican Council's constitution on the liturgy?

Answer: The Liturgical Movement

The Liturgical Movement, centered at Solesmes and Collegeville, promoted active congregational participation in sung worship and greatly influenced Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963).

In Anglican chant, 'pointing' refers to:

Answer: The system of marks in the text indicating how syllables are distributed across reciting notes and inflections

Pointing marks in Anglican psalm books show singers where to move from the reciting tone to the cadential inflections, coordinating text and music.

The 'responsorial psalm' as prescribed in the Revised Common Lectionary and Roman Rite is intended to be performed in what manner?

Answer: Sung by a cantor with the congregation responding with a refrain

The responsorial psalm features a cantor or choir singing the psalm verses while the assembly responds with a repeated antiphon or refrain.

Which type of organ registration is most appropriate for accompanying unison congregational hymn singing in a large reverberant space?

Answer: Principals and mixtures at a firm but not overwhelming dynamic

Principals and mixtures provide clarity of pitch and rhythmic definition that help the congregation lock onto the beat in a reverberant acoustic.

The 'Improperia' (Reproaches) are a distinctive musical element of which liturgical observance?

Answer: Good Friday liturgy

The Improperia are a series of antiphons sung during the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, in which Christ's voice recounts his saving deeds to the people.

When a congregation struggles to maintain pitch during unaccompanied singing, what is the most effective corrective strategy for the organist re-entering?

Answer: Play a strong unison pitch that restores the original key

The organist should re-enter firmly on the correct original pitch, providing an unambiguous tonal anchor that draws the congregation back to pitch.

Which document from the Second Vatican Council specifically addresses music in the liturgy and calls for Gregorian chant to retain 'pride of place'?

Answer: Sacrosanctum Concilium

Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, states that Gregorian chant should be given pride of place while also welcoming other appropriate music.