Response to Jeff: Rhythmic Signs Again
I propose that we consider Dom Pothier’s method without making an unnecessary appeal to authority.
“If we do not love those whom we see, how can we love God, Whom we do not see?” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Dr. Charles Weaver is on the faculty of the Juilliard School, and serves as organist and director of music at St. Mary’s Church in Norwalk, Connecticut. His research interests include the history of music theory and the theory of plainchant rhythm. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and four children.—Read full biography (with photographs).
I propose that we consider Dom Pothier’s method without making an unnecessary appeal to authority.
It really is a minor part of Mocquereau’s theoretical enterprise. That doesn’t mean it’s completely pointless, though.
The idea of the tonic accent in Gregorian melody runs through the entire Solesmes tradition from Gontier to Pothier to Mocquereau to the present.
We Church musicians have a high calling to bear witness to the truth with our music and our lives.
We can think of the modes and their traditional characters in a dynamic way, and it can help us to have a little more shape and direction in our singing.
This week I attended part of an excellent academic conference in honor of William Mahrt.
Two recordings of the same chant from the Sacred Music Symposium 2023.
My thesis on how Dom Mocquereau relates to other theories of musical rhythm is now available for download.
In praise of the Cardine approach to chanting, with some further thoughts on pluralism and correctness in performance practice.
The better the voice is, the meeter it is to honour and serve God therewith: and the voice of man is chiefly to be employed to that end.
“I find Anerio’s work here to be excellent, and I hope you do as well.” —Dr. Charles Weaver
Readers interested in different stylistic approaches to Gregorian chant may enjoy this interview with the singer Bruno de Labriolle, who directs the schola of Saint-Bruno-des-Chartreux in Lyon. The views on chant and liturgy aired in the interview aren’t exactly the same as those of any of our contributors, but I personally find this group’s performances, in […]
Did you know that St. Augustine described the sound of one hand clapping?
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We’re under tremendous pressure to transfer our website to a “subscription model.”
We don’t want to do this. We believe our website should remain free to all. It’s annoying to have to search for login credentials (e.g. if you’re away from your desk).
Our president has written the following letter:
* Thirteen Men & Coins (Holy Thursday Appeal)
Traditionally on Holy Thursday, the priest washed the feet of thirteen men. Theologians held various opinions regarding whom the “13th man” represented. Before the liturgical changes of Pope Pius XII (which changed the number from thirteen to twelve), the priest washed each man’s feet, kissed his foot, and gave him a coin.
This “coin” business seems providential—inasmuch as our appeal begins on Holy Thursday this year.
Time's up