The intersection of sacred liturgical music and secular pop culture can sometimes lead to unexpected—and unsettling—discoveries. Back in February, a question was posed: does Dan Schutte’s “Mass of Christ the Savior,” composed in 2010, bear an uncomfortable resemblance to secular musical styles? Specifically, could its melodies evoke something far removed from the solemnity of the Mass?
To illustrate this point, a direct comparison was made, juxtaposing Schutte’s melody with a rather unlikely tune: the theme song from My Little Pony.
Listen to the uncanny similarity:
* * Missa “My Little Pony” — Mp3 (0:29)
Sheet music excerpt of Dan Schutte Mass compared to My Little Pony theme
The initial reaction to this comparison was significant. The original article sparked considerable debate, being shared widely on social media, generating passionate responses, and even becoming a topic of discussion on radio programs. While some listeners initially dismissed the resemblance between the two melodies, claiming the similarity was overstated, a compelling counterpoint emerged.
Responding to the skepticism, a former student of the author ingeniously created an audio mix, layering Schutte’s “Mass of Christ the Savior” directly over the My Little Pony theme. The result? An undeniable and somewhat jarring blend that underscored the melodic similarities.
* * Mp3 Audio File — Schutte’s Mass of Christ the Savior mixed w/ Pony Theme
The act of combining sacred Mass texts with a secular children’s theme song might understandably raise objections for some. However, this juxtaposition is precisely the intended point. For those deeply affected by the prevalence of what they perceive as trivial and uninspired music within the Church, this issue carries profound weight.
The concern isn’t merely about a superficial melodic similarity. It delves into the appropriateness of incorporating secular musical styles into the sacred context of the Mass. This blog has previously explored this very issue, advocating for the importance of Gregorian Chant and sacred musical traditions as more fitting expressions for liturgical worship.
Furthermore, beyond the question of musical style, concerns have been raised regarding the liturgical integrity of the “Mass of Christ the Savior.” Questions linger about how this particular Mass setting received approval from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), especially considering some analyses suggest it deviates from official liturgical texts. The answer to this question remains elusive for many.
For those seeking alternatives to the Schutte Mass, particularly settings that adhere more closely to sacred musical principles, resources are available. Exploring these alternative Mass compositions can offer a pathway towards music that resonates more deeply with the solemnity and sacredness of the liturgy.
A Note Regarding the Origin of the Comparison:
The initial observation of the Schutte/Pony melody similarity originated from a priest, currently serving as Liturgy Director for a major Archdiocese in the United States. This comparison was disseminated through email. Prior to receiving this email, the author had not encountered Schutte’s Mass setting.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.
