Applauding the Musicians After Mass – Should We?
Consider this scenario:
Your parish or cathedral organist finishes the most beautiful and virtuosic postlude at the conclusion of Mass. The congregation listening in the pews provide a big round of applause for their great musical efforts. More often than not, the organist courteously turns around and gives a nod of appreciation to the parishioners thanking them for the applause.
Pipe Organ, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary - Fatima, Portugal. Photo by Grace Feltoe.
When we look at this scenario, nothing appears inherently wrong. For many, it is a form of being courteous to one another and an expression of appreciation.
Then why should I write about it?
Because we need to view this through a liturgical lens, and not from a worldly context.
The Mass is not a concert, no matter how beautiful the music is. Good sacred musicians understand this, and do not expect gestures of appreciation for this work as it happens – it is work for the community, and love and service to God.
Pope Pius X wrote in his motu proprio Tra Le Sollecitudini:
“Sacred music, being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful. It contributes to the decorum and the splendor of the ecclesiastical ceremonies, and since its principal office is to clothe with suitable melody the liturgical text proposed for the understanding of the faithful, its proper aim is to add greater efficacy to the text, in order that through it the faithful may be the more easily moved to devotion and better disposed for the reception of the fruits of grace belonging to the celebration of the most holy mysteries.”
When we look at the liturgy, and our participation – we are there for the sacrifice, for the glorification and the adoration of the Holy Trinity and Christ in the Eucharist, and to become more holy ourselves. The liturgy strengthens our covenant with God, and while many parishes now place very heavy emphasis on community, we are not there for community alone, but for all to be united in this act of glorification and edification of the one true God, each member being a part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Crucifix, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague. Photo by Totus Tuus Apostolate
Beautiful music during the Mass is there to heighten this glorification and adoration. It becomes a gift to God, and yes, while it also helps heighten the human experience, it must also be considered an exchange of love to God, for it is right and just to give God beauty, as He has given beauty to us.
When we applaud musicians after Mass, we confuse this loving spiritual exchange and draw focus on our thoughts of the music, what we like, what do others like, and we start thinking it is a performance to impress people and not to firstly give love and glory to Our Creator.
With all that said, providing sacred music can often be a thankless or difficult job, so I highly encourage anyone to please personally thank the musicians in your parish, encourage them and speak your appreciation to them personally. But within the liturgical context, let us make a cultural shift in our parishes to focus music more as prayer and remove the idea of it being a ‘concert’ for the congregation.
For Sacred Musicians
May we pray for grace and to strengthen our desire to use our talents and brilliance in all its glory as a gift to God, thanking Him for what He has given to us, and in the process, pray our gifts touch the hearts of the faithful who are present.
Ceiling Fresco of God the Father, St. Giles Church, Prague. Photo by Totus Tuus Apostolate
In this way we bring right order to our participation in the liturgy, God first and His children to follow.
Visit Grace Feltoe’s Musica Sacra Project Website.
