Gregorian Chant in Worship

When most people think of Gregorian chant they likely think of Roman Catholics or cloistered monks (with their cowl) chanting in a dimly lit church.  This past Monday on Issues, Etc. Dr. Ben Mayes provided an interesting discussion on the history of Gregorian chant and its relevance to today’s Reformation Christians as part of our Lutheran heritage.  I’ve embedded the audio for your listening ease.

If you take only one thing away from the discussion, I think this should be it:

Gregorian chant lets the text of scripture and its quiet power shine through without forcing an emotion on it. (paraphrased from my listening notes)

A few years back I acquired a long out-of-print volume of Introits for the one-year lectionary set to Gregorian chant tones (edited by Walter Buszin and published by CPH in 1942).  Buszin provided these reasons for the use of Gregorian chant (referring specifically to the Introits, but logically extrapolating to chant in general):

1. They are truly liturgical in character.
2. They are simple and may be sung by any type of church choir and be transposed to other keys.
3. They are churchly, giving prominence to the text and relegating the music to the background.
4. They are undramatic and objective and yet possess great beauty.
5. They have stood the test of time and have become a part of the Lutheran heritage.

Whether you choose to explore Gregorian chant further, it does make you think how music affects and has the potential to overpower the text.

More info about Gregorian chant from a Lutheran perspective can be found at the Lutheran Liturgical Prayer Brotherhood website.  Dr. Mayes also edited the Brotherhood Prayer Book.

Related posts:

1. Reviving the Introit
2. Walter E. Buszin – Wise Counsel for Today
3. Children & Worship
4. Walter Buszin on the Lutheran Masters
5. Worship Treasures: Past and Present