Hymns differ from the proper of the mass, in short:
- because the proper are the text of the mass, directly quoted from the Bible, sung (the text of most proper are psalm verses),
- Hymns are educational, emphasizing doctrine. In the liturgy, they are mostly found in the liturgy of the hours. For their educative power, many hymns were sung in English in devotion even when all masses were said in Latin (see A Catholic School of Hymns ).
To learn the Proper of the Mass from the Roman Gradual, consider purchasing the collection of Gregorian recordings by Schola Bellarmina: Every Gregorian chant of the liturgical year, professionally recorded
Some Latin Hymns:
Alma Redemptoris Mater – simple tone (Advent to Feb 3) Great tutorial below:
“ANIMA CHRISTI” (DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN BELOW)
Ave Maria (pdf of the music to download: Ave Maria )
Ave Regina Caelorum – simple tone (Feb 3 to Holy week) (download sheet music: Ave Regina Caelorum – simple )
Regina Caeli – simple tone (Easter to Pentecost)
Long Beach Chant 