HE LEVEL OF PERFECTION attained by the liturgical books of Solesmes Abbey has inspired Catholics for well over a century. Abbot Pothier was not content to restore the authentic Gregorian rhythm and melodies. He collaborated with a Belgian printer to create a very special neumatic notation which has been copied to this day.
However, the monks of Solesmes are not infallible.
Look at the accent on the word ÁDJUVA in this 1926 book by Solesmes:
Perhaps they were thinking of “adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi.” Or perhaps they were thinking of “Adjútor meus, tibi psallam.” In most other Solesmes books, however, it’s correct:
For the record, some have suggested Solesmes had very little to do with this 1926 book (Chants Abrégés) which is said to have been created in Canada. However, there is contradictory information on that point.
Here’s an error in Solesmes “Mass & Vespers” (1957):
It’s nice to know that even the best & brightest make errors.
(Speaking of errors, according to Fr. George Rutler, I ought to have said “brightest and best” because that phrase comes from an Epiphany hymn.)
In 1957, Solesmes forgot they were supposed to be writing in English, not French:
