It is human nature to recognize a beautiful melody or song. By singing we convey our feelings, the utter joy or in times of sorrow. Even going to holy mass is a pleasant memory on parts when parishioners sing in unison. Sometimes the singing of the community is louder than the choir but the beautiful melody and lyrics of the songs are praises of joy and faith.
Over time, going to Holy Mass has undergone many changes. The introduction of more modern instruments such as electric guitars and drum sets replaced the choirs. Traditional church songs are also mixed with other forms of worship music with a popular theme. It is important that we understand the importance of singing to God and to the saints, because according to the Doctor of the church St. Augustine, “To sing is to pray twice.”
What are church music in the Catholic church? How did it start?
There are songs and prayers found in the holy Bible. There is the Psalm of King David, the Magnificat and the Lord’s Prayer taught by Jesus Himself. The church also provided prayers sung at mass some originated from monasteries and holy places of prayer. There is also the Anima Christi written by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Latin songs and prayers such as Tantum Ergo and Ave Maria also resulted in greater human devotion to God.
The hymn, is from the Greek word hymnos or ‘song of praise’, is usually a religious song for praise and prayer. It also originally in Latin and its singing is called hymnody.
In the old testament, in the Book of Isaiah 6 it is recorded how the choir of seraphs glorified, “”Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh Sabaoth. His glory fills the whole earth.”
In the new testament in the Book of Luke we all know how the angels of heaven descended and sang on Christmas day, the birth of baby Jesus.
“Praise to God in the Most High and on earth peace among men of goodwill.”
Based on ancient scriptures, there is really no musical notation or form or number in church hymns. But in the middle ages there was a hymnody in the form of a Gregorian chant. It is named after Pope Gregory I, 590-604, when he mandated the arrangement of the church’s music for the liturgical celebrations in the church calendar.
