Publisher's Synopsis
Does the sound of Gregorian Chant touch your soul? Have you ever wondered about the aim of Gregorian Chant? Do you understand the place of Gregorian Chant in the history of music? How does Gregorian Chant differ from modern music? Why does a staff have only four lines, rather than today's normal five lines? What symbols identify the location of either do or fa on the staff? Why are notes square or diamond rather than oval in shape? How are groupings of notes to be read? What historical norms should vocalists and accompanists understand and consider when performing Gregorian Chant? The Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey answer these questions and more in Gregorian Chant: An Outline of Christian Music during the Middle Ages, first published in 1897. Based on an extensive study of original manuscripts, the Nuns offer a clear and compelling account of this bearer of the wonderful cycle of Christian prayer and praise. "With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." (Col 3:16)
