Ofertorium mszalne dawniej i dziś
Mass-ofertorium in the past and present

Summary/Abstract: This article is an attempt to recall the history, significance and functionality of an ofertorium, as one of the variable chants of the Mass (Proprium Missae). Since Christian ancient times it accompanied the preparation and bringing of the offer to the altar. The ofertorium has undergone a long evolution as a form of liturgical chant: from a short antiphon in directum connected with the lines of psalms, to an extensive form, multi-part with a developed melody rich in intricate melismatic music. The author of this article presents the cycles of ofertoria in the history of sacral polyphony (Orlando di Lasso, Giovanni P. da Palestrina), with a special consideration of Ofertoria totius anni by Mikołaj Zieleński (died after 1615) – a composer, organist, head of the music ensemble of the Primate of Poland Wojciech Baranowski. Theconclusion of the presented study focuses on the Mass ofertoria (antiphons ad offertorium) in the post-Council (Vaticanum II) Church documents (Ordo Cantus Missae, Graduale Simplex) as well as ad ofertorium liturgical chants arising from them (J. Gélineau, S. Ziemiański).

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