• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

“What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too…” Pope Benedict XVI (7 July 2007)

  • Our Team
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
    • Saint Antoine Daniel KYRIALE
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
  • Donate
Views from the Choir Loft

Gather Hymnal Vs. Gregorian Chant

Corpus Christi Watershed · June 19, 2013

OST PEOPLE REALIZE that Gregorian chant was often sung from large scores during the Middle Ages, since paper was so hard to come by. Some conductors still use this technique, as it tends to help choirs sing “together” — musicians understand what it means for a choir to sing, breathe, feel, and think together. Here is Dr. William Mahrt:


However, GIA’s Gather Hymnal performed this way does not seem to possess the same charm, possibly because Gather contains so little Gregorian chant, as opposed to newer Catholic publications like the Vatican hymnal:

AS MANY HAVE POINTED OUT in the past, most of the major “hymnals” (Gather, Glory & Praise, JourneySongs) should not be called “hymnals.” They are songbooks. They are books containing (mostly) songs. How can you tell the difference between a song and a hymn? If it requires accompaniment, has extremely long note values and rests, emphasizes vague notions of “gathering,” and sounds like it could be used in a Disney movie, it’s most likely a song.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
    During the season of Pentecost, you might consider using this 2-page Piece “for the season of Pentecost.” Rehearsal videos are available at #40691, but the lyrics are different. Therefore, make sure your choir members understand that one can rehearse songs that have different lyrics (“CONTRAFACT”).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

“The unity of language in the liturgy is so great a treasure for the Church that no advantage could compensate for its demise.”

— Dom Anselmo Albareda (2 January 1953), Father Nicola Giampietro, page 249

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • “Epitome Gradualis Romani” • Professionally Scanned — 1,106 pages!
  • Re: Ancient Sequence (Thursday after Pentecost)
  • PDF • “For the Season of Pentecost”
  • The Choir Journal: A Choir Director’s Best Friend
  • “Are Church Musicians Paid Enough?” • 5 Solutions

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2023 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.