Response to Jeff: Rhythmic Signs Again
I propose that we consider Dom Pothier’s method without making an unnecessary appeal to authority.
Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”
I propose that we consider Dom Pothier’s method without making an unnecessary appeal to authority.
“It would be a barbarous archaism to adopt this ancient custom in our time.” —Dom Guéranger
It really is a minor part of Mocquereau’s theoretical enterprise. That doesn’t mean it’s completely pointless, though.
Father De Santi opined that “Solesmes had rid themselves of Pothier by giving him an abbey”—to which Pope Pius X responded that it amounted to “a small compensation.”
If you’re somebody who likes grandiloquence, you’ll prefer the description by Dr. Ellis.
In 1957, the Abbey of Solesmes publicly claimed copyright over “the rhythmic signs 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁.”
Including several hymns eminently suitable for the feast of Christ the King.
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Will anyone step forward to defend this?
It’s been decided to bring that particular series to a close. However…
“It is all too easy to be lured away from a common-sense interpretation of the oldest sources by the siren song of beautiful, polished performances according to some other style.” —Patrick Williams
“The time is ripe to reconsider the contributions of Fr. Jan Vollaerts to Gregorian musicology.” —Patrick Williams
“Reading deliberate ‘nuances’ into normal variations in handwriting is a solution in search of a problem.” —Patrick Williams
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