Learning about Gregorian Chant

An essential introduction to Gregorian chant

Known throughout the world as the leading masters of Gregorian chant, the monks of Solesmes have released Learning about Gregorian Chant.This recording simplifies and clarifies the world of chant for those to whom Gregorian chant is a mystery. The combination of a clearly understood text (read by Sarah Moule) with the fluidly sung examples (sung by the Benedictine monks of Solesmes), convinces the listener that Gregorian chant is open to everyone for enjoyment and prayer. The clear and concise presentation on this recording will make it a valuable resource for educators, musicologists, students of music and those who wish for a basic understanding of chant.

The History of Gregorian Chant Track 1-Gloria (with ringing of the bells) Track 2-Ambrosian Gloria Track 3-Antiphon In mandatis and Psalm 111 Track 4-Psalm 100 > The Gregorian Musical Forms Proper of the Mass Track 6-Introit Nos autem Track 7-Gradual Concupivit Track 8-Alleluia Psacha nostrum Track 9-Offertory Laetentur > Ordinary of the Mass Track 11-Kyrie III Track 12-Gloria IX Track 13-Sanctus XVIII > Divine Office Track 15-Antiphon Dixit Dominus and Psalm 109 Track 16-Antiphon Si offers and Magnificat Track 17-Response Credo > Conclusion Track 19-Hymn Salve festa dies

The Recorded Legacy of Solesmes

Since the refounding of the monastery of St. Peter of Solesmes in 1833 under Dom Prosper Gueranger, this Benedictine monastery on the River Sarthe in western France has set the world standard both for performance of Gregorian chant and the authenticity of the music itself. Commissioned by Pope Pius X to research the role of chant in liturgy and to edit books on chant that reflect this research, Solesmes enjoys an enviable reputation. Its work in liturgical reform and in the current revival of Gregorian chant has been likened to that of the great abbey of Cluny in the Middle Ages. These recordings incorporate new understandings of ancient manuscripts and represent a distillation of nearly 200 years of scholarship in the chant: musical paleography, semiology, and modality. The groundbreaking work by the monks of Solesmes has contributed to today's resurgence of interest in Gregorian chant as the foundation of Western music. Paraclete Press is proud to be the North American distributor of the recordings of the monks of Solesmes. These recordings have won numerous prestigious international awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque, Deutsche Schallplatten Prize, Diapason d'Or, and the Edison Prize.