Cantatorium

in memory of Dr. Jan van Biezen, 1927–2021

R.I.P.

Introduction

Proper of the Mass for Sundays and Feasts in Proportional Rhythm

Thirteen Offertory Chants (with verses); includes both Gregorian and modern notation for each chant

Rudiments of Gregorian Chant in proportional rhythm (PDF); for a similar introduction to the Solesmes method, see “Fundamentals of Gregorian Chant” below

Chant recordings sung in proportional rhythm according to the oldest extant manuscripts (YouTube)

Table of Neumes (PDF) - including Metz, St. Gall, Vatican, neography, and modern notations with a summary of principal differences between proportional rhythm and the Solesmes method

Tables for Neumes Other than Metz (Laon) and St. Gall (aiscgre.it)

Table of Neumatic Elements (PDF); one-page, Gregorian notation without rhythmic markings

Chant Glossary (CCWatershed)

Written Evidence for the Decline and Loss of the Authentic Traditional Rhythm

The Value of Laon 239

The Received Historical Narrative (and An Alternative Narrative)

The Restoration of Tradition

Gregorian Rhythm Wars"

Repercussion

Who's Who in Gregorian Chant

Editorial Principles

Discussion of Cardine’s “Is Gregorian Chant Measured Music?”

Antiquarianism? (with an addendum addressing the claims of Matthew Frederes)

“King James Only" Catholics

Rhythmic Analysis of the Introit Dominus Dixit (PDF)

Critique of the Solesmes Edition of the Offertory Oravi Deum (PDF); includes side-by-side rhythmic comparison in both modern and Gregorian notation


Recommended Reading:

Excerpt from Gregorian Chant according to the Manuscripts by Dom Gregory Murray, O.S.B. (full PDF here)

Summary of “The Rhythm of Gregorian Chant” from Rhythm, Meter and Tempo in Gregorian Chant by Dr. Jan van Biezen; the examples in square notation are available here


Further Reading:

Tradition of Durational Values in Gregorian Chant" by Arthur Angie (in The Caecilia, 1934, vol. 60, no. 10–11)

Collected Articles on Chant Rhythm by Dom Gregory Murray, O.S.B.

Gregorian Chant: A History of the Controversy Concerning Its Rhythm by John Rayburn

Rhythmic Proportions in Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Chant by Fr. Jan Vollaerts, S.J.


Links:

Mensuralism & Historically Informed Performance Practice:

Recordings:

Note: Most if not all of the following sites presuppose a “nuanced," non-proportional rhythmic interpretation.

Restored Editions for the Mass:

Neumed Editions without Melodic Corrections:

Restored Editions for the Divine Office:

Solesmes Method & Editions:

mnemonic for ictus placement: 1's 1 (vertical episema), 2's double (beginning of doubled or tripled note), 3's a group (beginning of a group), 4's full (full or double bar line)

PDF Libraries:

Church Regulations concerning Chant Editions:

Notation:

Texts:

Scripture Commentary:

Theory:

Bibliography:

Contact:

Patrick Williams: organistAL at aol dot com