Trent to Vatican II

By Tom Booth

It is generally acknowledged that after the Council of Trent (1545-1563) the Roman Catholic Church basically "stood still." This is understandable in many ways. The world around the Church was changing and was actually somewhat antagonistic towards Rome. The Church became defensive and adopted a "circle the wagons" attitude. This defensive and self-protective stance basically didn't change for almost 500 years — until the Second Vatican Council.

Thus, the liturgy, and the music for the liturgy, also didn't change too radically for many years. Yes, the style changed as all music progressed, evolved and became more sophisticated. But the music of the liturgy became . . . more liturgical. The music became less the music of the common person, and more the music of the high church. In general, since the Council of Trent, the church building, the spires, the liturgical language, and the music — everything — unified and solidified to one style. High mass, high music; everything was looking up and out to a God who was mysterious, powerful, awe inspiring and mystical. This was a good thing, but eventually a challenge as well.

As popular music and even popular religion got more personal and intimate, eventually Mother Church recognized (I am jumping 500 years forward now!) that the world had changed and that although the heart of the gospel had not changed, the way that gospel was to be preached, taught and celebrated needed to change. Thus was born the gift (and ensuing confusion) of Vatican II (1962-1965). But before we discuss and look at the Second Vatican Council, let us look back at Trent and the 500 years that followed.

Think about it: In 1545, the world changed and so did the Church. And again,
in the 1960s, the world changed and so did the Church. Yet, God never changes! Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever! So the lesson for me is this: I need to be attached to the vine that is Jesus Christ, both through community and in personal devotion. Chant has a place in my life — my college degree was music history! Gregorian chant is a treasure for all of us. Choral music is so beautiful. Hearing an organ played magnificently in a cathedral in Europe is amazing. These musical styles will always be with us.
And the new music that has been composed for the Church since the 1960s also has a place.

Fast forward to 2007. Listen to Jackie Francois sing her setting of the Magnificat, My Soul Rejoices. This same text has been sung since Mary spoke these words to her cousin Elizabeth. And now it is Jackie's turn, and your turn, and mine, too. Same song, different tune.

Editor's Note: Please click on album covers above to hear sound samples of the music that Tom is describing. Also, please note that the "My Soul Rejoices" link is a Commons video that requires (free) membership with spiritandsong.com.