Gregorian Rhythm Wars • “Jeff’s Second Response to Patrick” (6 Dec 2022)
You look upon these thousands of manuscripts in much the same way that I view the plainsong editions of Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers.
“Is it not true that prohibiting or suspecting the extraordinary form can only be inspired by the demon who desires our suffocation and spiritual death?” —The Vatican’s chief liturgist from 2014-2021; interview with Edw. Pentin (23-Sep-2019)
You look upon these thousands of manuscripts in much the same way that I view the plainsong editions of Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers.
“It is important that these melodies should be performed in the manner that they were originally conceived as works of art.” —St. Pius X
A brief historical survey of free rhythm in plainchant, as practiced from the modern monastic foundation of Solesmes (1833) to the present.
Patrick Williams addresses points raised by Matthew Frederes and Jeff Ostrowski
Including three (3) professionally-scanned versions of the Kyriale, released here for the 1st time!
“I greatly appreciate your hospitality and willingness to engage in dialogue.” — Dom Concordia, OSB
A few further thoughts on what ways of singing chant are “allowed.”
“Does it make more sense to judge later manuscripts in light of the oldest sources, or to judge the oldest sources in light of later manuscripts?” —Patrick Williams
Ostrowski, wishing to avoid fussiness, may justifiably refuse this invitation. But to argue, as he has, that these signs and the prayerful and aesthetic movements they embody are “illicit” is just wildly off the mark.
The second half of today’s article answers questions submitted by Mr. Matthew Frederes.
Mr. Williams, today I challenge you (please) to provide direct responses for two questions.
Why declare that rhythmic signs are permitted if alteration of any kind is unacceptable? It doesn’t make any sense…
Including two (2) documents translated into English for the first time!
“We have a number of quotations from medieval writers in support of proportional rhythm…” —Patrick Williams
“Mr. Ostrowski apparently wants to lock this door, install a deadbolt, and throw away both keys!” —Patrick Williams
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