OBJECTIVES
Over the span of four weeks and four short meetings, students will (1) become aware of the historical development of Gregorian Chant in its cultic and cultural contexts, (2) become acquainted with its sources, genres and forms, (3) become conversant in historical and modern chant theories, and (4) become somewhat fluent in the musical language of the chant.
METHODOLOGY
We will approach these objectives by the following means:
(1) Required readings in preparation for each class
a. Please prepare an outline of the reading(s) or topic in preparation for each class.
b. Please bring one copy of the outline to turn in at the beginning of class, and one
copy for your use as a guide for your participation in the class discussion.
(2) A quiz will be given at the beginning of each class in order to help you to internalize some key facts or concepts. [Gasp!]
a. Since we are covering so much ground in so little time, the quiz questions will be
published in advance of the reading assignments. [Sigh of relief!]
(3) Class discussion of the readings
a. I will not lecture on the readings, but will instead lead a discussion of the reading
content in a pseudo-Socratic manner, drawing out the salient issues and facts
from your reading of the material.
(4) We will spend some portion of each class actually singing together to gain some first-hand experience with the music itself and with some common approaches to pedagogy, performance practice and conducting of the chant.
a. Please brush up on your moveable-Do Solfège before first class on October 21!
REQUIRED TEXTS
Hiley, David. Gregorian Chant. Cambridge Introductions to Music. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2009. [Order]
Saulnier, Dom Daniel. Gregorian Chant: A Guide. Translated by Edward Schaefer. Church Music Association of America, 2010. [Download for free]
Class Handouts (marked † at Class Assignments)
RECOMMENDED TEXT
On reserve in Music Library
Marier, Theodore. A Gregorian Chant Master Class. Bethlehem, CT: Abbey of Regina Laudis, 2002. [Order]
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INQUIRY
To be distributed in class
Class Handouts
Chant Bibliography
Discography
BASIS FOR EVALUATION
Unit grade to be factored proportionately into course grade
Attendance and Participation (4 classes)—25%
Quizzes (4)—25%
Reading Outlines (4)—50%
