Zadania organów i posługa organisty w Musicam sacram. Bilans i perspektywy

The role of a pipe organ and the service of an organist in Musicram sacram . An account and prospects The position of a pipe organ in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church has been precisely clarified nowadays. Its major role is to support singing of the faithful, accompa-ny choral bands and to perform solo music conformed with the character of a given feast or celebration. The instruction Musicam sacram of 1957 most clearly specifies when and on what occasions the organ ought to be used during liturgy and when its involvement is undesirable. These regulations appertain as well to organist’s service, defining its crucial role in building the community of the faithful. The instruction Musicam sacram , issued 50 years ago, is not only a document of his-torical value. It has also become a launch pad for many subsequent documents regarding the church music. What is more, many specifications included in Musicam sacram are still relevant today. Recounting and analyzing some of its directions referring to the organ and organ playing allowed the author of this study to conclude that: “Nowadays, the liturgy still cannot cope without the organ and the organ cannot cope without liturgy. The dictum of Musicam sacram is clear, so is its mens (the so called «spirit»). As always, it is the hearts of people who are supposed to implement these regulations and who need repentance”.