Abstract
The ‘mutual enrichment’ between the two forms of the Roman Rite — as called for by Pope Benedict XVI in Summorum Pontificum — can begin without any formal changes to either form of the Rite. But in the future, it may be hoped that the forms of the Roman Rite will be influenced by one another (and by other historical uses). The need for restoration in the postconciliar liturgy is clear, e.g. the non-traditional character of the Liturgia Horarum, the Holy Week ceremonies, and the proper chants and orations of the Mass. Yet the pre-conciliar books also need some revision, in line with the modest reforms actually proposed by the Second Vatican Council. Possible developments might include a wider use of the vernacular, a somewhat expanded cycle of scriptural pericopes, an infusion of prayers and prefaces taken from the ancient sacramentaries, or an adaptation of the chanted Propers for smaller choirs. It will be advisable in plotting any reforms to look beyond the ‘Curial-Tridentine horizon’, to some of the earlier variants of the Roman Rite, as these often preserve the more ancient rite of the Papal basilicas. A modest, tradition-based reform of this kind is similar to what the then Cardinal Ratzinger proposed in a letter of 2003.
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László Dobszay
Professor László Dobszay (born Szeged 1935 — died Budapest 2011) was an eminent music historian, ethnomusicologist, liturgical composer, choir director, and liturgical scholar. He studied under Zoltán Kodály at the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy, Budapest; and was himself appointed as a teacher at the Academy in 1970, and as the first director of its Church Music Faculty from 1990. He was appointed to the Folk Music Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1966. Professor Dobszay was one of the leading scholars of Hungarian folk music, and of Gregorian chant in the pre-Tridentine Hungarian tradition (the Use of Esztergom). He co-founded and co-directed the internationally celebrated Gregorian chant choir, Schola Hungarica, and was the author of numerous influential books and articles about sacred music and liturgical reform in the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Editorial Board of Usus Antiquior. László Dobszay was a father of seven.