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Harmonized Plainsong :
Today I would like to speak about the concept of harmonized Gregorian chant. In the past, we have seen this with “O Filii Et Filiae” by Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel. You can hear a recording, or you can download the score if you go scroll down to #5909.
Here is a “harmonized chant” by the successor of Monsignor Jules Van Nuffel, a wonderful composer named Monsignor Jules Vyverman. We were only allowed to have one rehearsal for Easter Sunday (thanks to Mdme. Covid-19) so we quickly put together this SANCTUS for three voices:
* PDF Download • “SANCTUS” for Soprano, Alto, and Bass
—A setting Monsignor Jules Vyverman.
Richard Rice Kyrie VIII :
Another fantastic example of harmonized plainsong is the Mass VIII (Missa de Angelis) setting by Richard Rice. Thanks to generous permission from the composer (21 June 2015), you can download the score and rehearsal videos at #4781. Moreover, Mr. Rice has composed a complete setting of all the movements to Mass VIII.
Here is the live recording from Easter Sunday in Los Angeles.
Of course I am biased, but I really feel there are some glorious moments here—in spite of the fact it was done with only one rehearsal. I’m so proud of the way the singers have responded to the draconian restrictions of Covid-19.
