Co i jak należy śpiewać w ramach liturgii?

Abstract

The state of liturgical music still rises mixed feelings among those who are engaged in the celebration of the holy ceremonies. Half a century has passed since the Second Vatican Council introduced documents concerning the new shape of liturgy, also in the field of music; and a retrospective view of this issue indicates positive phenomena and examples, but at the same time exposes faults, malpractice and negligence. The present teaching of the Church in the field of liturgical music points out three important criteria which decide about the appropriate shaping of songs and chants: (1) melody united to the words, (2) care about the artistic value and (3) appropriate character and style of the work to designed for sacred action. The role of sacredness and the close connection with the liturgical action in church chant has been consistently emphasized. Songs and for liturgy must not be chosen at random; also the way of singing and perfection of performance are important. The appeal, directed to composers of sacred music, for new works pertaining in their texts to a specific topic of the day or a specific liturgical action remains always relevant.