Gregorian Chant certainly should (and does, traditionally) hold pride of place in the liturgy, as Vatican II itself said, but I don't think this renders all other liturgical music obsolete. There are so many beautiful sacred hymns that add a richness to the liturgy, when appropriately accompanied by the chants of the Propers and Ordinaries. I have seen High Masses in which a hymn was played on the organ or sung by the choir during the Offertory, once the Offertory chant was concluded. It gave us, the faithful, a chance to continue actively participating in the liturgy while the priest incensed the altar. A closing hymn can have the same effect. There is something to be said for singing hymns in our native tongue, accompanying the unchanging chants that must always hold pride of place. I think hymns complement, rather than detract from, Gregorian Chant.
I love both the chant versions of the Salve Regina. I am simply unable to remember it in English at all.
Chant makes all other liturgical music obsolete.
Gregorian Chant certainly should (and does, traditionally) hold pride of place in the liturgy, as Vatican II itself said, but I don't think this renders all other liturgical music obsolete. There are so many beautiful sacred hymns that add a richness to the liturgy, when appropriately accompanied by the chants of the Propers and Ordinaries. I have seen High Masses in which a hymn was played on the organ or sung by the choir during the Offertory, once the Offertory chant was concluded. It gave us, the faithful, a chance to continue actively participating in the liturgy while the priest incensed the altar. A closing hymn can have the same effect. There is something to be said for singing hymns in our native tongue, accompanying the unchanging chants that must always hold pride of place. I think hymns complement, rather than detract from, Gregorian Chant.