History of the Mass sources
Thanks to all who responded to my request of sources for finding out about
the history of the mass. Here is what I received: ***** Here are some sources I have used: Te Deum by Paul Westermeyer (Fortress Press, Minneapolis) not exclusively Mass-oriented, more general Christian worship from the Jewish temple and includes the development of the mass but is primarily a "philosophy of worship" or worship theology text Worship in the Early Church by Ralph P. Martin (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids) extensive treatment of Christian worship from the apostolic age I hope these may help. The Martin book may be a good source for you. ***** The best history of the Mass in one volume is "The Mass" by Joseph Jungmann, SJ. You can order it from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN (www.litpress.org) ***** Two sources that are contain good information: Liturgies of the Western Church - Selected and Introduced by Bard Thompson Fortress Press ISBN 0-8006-1428-3 The Forms and Orders of Western Liturgy from the Tenth to the Eighteenth Century - A Historical Introduction and Guide for Students and Musicians John Harper Clarendon Paperbacks Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-816279-0 ***** A good older source is The Shape of the Liturgy, by Dom Gregory Dix. ***** Two user-friendly resources regarding the mass are the Harvard Dictionary of Music and Groves Dictionary - - both readily available in music libraries. ***** I would recommend that you contact the liturgy dept of your local Catholic seminary to find out what textbook they use in studying the history of the Mass. It may not give you as much background musically speaking, but it will certainly be authoritative and well-grounded in the development of Roman Catholic liturgy and discuss the various changes and developments of the liturgy over the millennia. ***** Do you mean the musical portions of the Mass? Or the evolution of the Mass? Since you're in Mesa, are you at ASU? Go to the library and get my dissertation, which was on the propers of the mass by Isaac, and read the bibliography. Rob Reynolds, who is still teaching History of Choral Music at ASU, is probably the nation's best resource. Ask him! Besides the New Groves, start with these: Joseph Jungmann - The Mass of the Roman Rite - *the* definitive source on the history and development of the mass. Richard Hoppin (Reynolds' dissertation advisor) - Medieval Music JDF Dr. James D. Feiszli ***** I did a similar project in grad school back in the '70s. There is a very good monograph, but I can't give you a citation because all our books including my paper are packed up for remodeling. However, it was in the Indiana University library, and the author's name may have started with JJorgensen maybe, or something like that. I assume that you are aware that the form of the Mass didn't spring full-grown at any specific pont in history. That's what makes it a really interesting subject. The "Credo" wasn't added until, I think, around AD 1014, and of course Vatican II made some changes, mostly in the prayers of the Proper. ***** Ron Jeffers' book "Tranlations and Annotations of Choral Repertoire: Sacred Latin Texts" is a great resource. The entire beginning of the book is dedicated to the Roman mass. He traces the history of its development and more importantly gives historicat details about each of the textual sections. There are probably more detailed texts, but this is still a very helpful source that is worth checking out! Good luck!! ***** An excellent source is the Catholic Encyclopaedia of 1906 available online and www.newadvent.org. Then Christoph Wolfe's biography of J. S. Bach has fabulous insights into the Bach B Minor Mass. Additionally, email directly Dr. Leo Nestor at Catholic University School of Music (you can find him via www.cua.edu). He will point you in the right direction. There are lots of liturgical sources on the Mass per se, but seeing that you are a choral teacher, I imagine you are more interested in musical settings of the Mass. Try Groves Online via your library (my local library lets me access it from home). Search "Mass" and follow where it leads. ***** Dix's The Shape of the Liturgy is the most used in seminaries, I think. I also commend to you "The Origins of the Liturgical Year" by Thomas Talley, and anything by Aidan Kavanagh, O.S.B., world famous liturgics scholar, retired from Yale now. Just google Fr. K's name and you will see some wonderful resources. I think one of them is on the Eucharist, which is what you need. ***** There is a wonderful book called "The Shape of the Liturgy." This is a great resource. Although I don't have it at home with me, I'm sure you can find all of the details at amazon or another book website. ***** I asked this question last year when preparing a Haydn Mass, and the overwhelming answer was, of course, Ron Jeffers' Guide to Liturgical Latin. Get ityou must own it and will use it regularly. ***** Ask your local parish priest, either Episcopalian/Anglican or Roman Catholic. Do some research in a library under the heading of Religion/Mass/History Then go to Google on the web. ***** There is a substantial ten-volume publication called The Catholic Encyclopedia. There is also a web-site with a similar name that you might look for. ***** Thanks Again! German Aguilar Mesa High School Choral Director Mesa, AZ gaguilar(a)cox.net |
Good Luck Mr.Aguilar!
Oh, you can also contact a music director at a local parish. At St.Anne's Catholic church in Gilbert the choral director there is great. He is very wise and is a professional musician. He has his own records and write all of his own music. He would be of great help to any musical aspect of the church. His name is Aaron Thompson. Good luck once again.