This video series highlights the rich and varied history and development of Gregorian Chant. The timeless "love song" of the Church keeps us attached to the living vine of our common Catholic tradition. Your appreciation for this tradition will be enriched by delving into the roots from which it grew.
Episode 10: II Vatican Council to Today
The II Vatican Council calls us to continue to study chant and to educate clergy, singers and laity to give excellent execution to chanted prayer. We are privileged to carry on the work which Mother Church calls us to do.
Episode 9: Monks of Solesmes
The monks of Solesmes were leading figures in the rediscovery of Gregorian Chant into the 20th Century. Their contributions to musicology influence the way we chant today.
Episode 8: Tra Le Sollecitudini
The reforms of Pius X initiated the movement of liturgical music back into conformity with the spirit of the liturgy, namely its holiness, goodness of form and universality.
Episode 7: The Council of Trent
The Council of Trent of the 16th Century called Gregorian Chant back into focus. During this time new expressions of music, which in some cases were foreign to the spirit of the liturgy, had come into being, largely as part of the Protestant Reformation. In spite of the Council's teaching, Gregorian Chant fell more and more into disuse throughout the ensuing centuries.
Episode 6 - Chant Books in the Middle Ages
What is the significance of that large music book in the background of this room?
Episode 5 - A Multicultural Music - 8th - 9th Centuries
Hear how different cultures have imparted a rich and varied seasoning for Gregorian Chant over the centuries.
Episode 4 - The Gregorian Reforms - 6th Century
Pope Gregory the Great was a significant figure of liturgical renewal in the 6th-7th Century. The work he did with liturgical chant has led his name to be most often associated with it: Gregorian Chant.
Episode 3 - Chant in a Legalized Church - 4th Century
Learn about the early development of the Lector and Schola styles of chanting during the 4th Century.
Episode 2 - Chant in the Early Church
Learn some of the reasons why the Early Church gave pride of place to the acapella human voice in the early development of her liturgical music. The human instrument, as directly created by God, is best suited to sing His praises.
Episode 1 - The Biblical Origins of Chant
In this first episode we explore the origins of chant in our Jewish heritage. You will learn the meaning of the term “cantillation” and the three places in which liturgical chant grew in the Jewish tradition. This was the tradition Our Lord experienced and which the early Church would have adopted. You will discover an identifying pillar of Chant: the primacy of the text.