Germany's Top Five

Duetsche Welle lists among its "Top Five" things to do in Germany this week: "Listen to Gregorian chant in a candlelit church. The Archaica Men's Choir will perform Gregorian Chants for the Birth of Jesus on several dates around Christmas and New Year's in the Zinna Cloister in the state of Brandenburg. The ancient cloister will be lit by hundreds of candles for the occasion, and warm mulled wine will also be served. Not a bad idea, since the church won't be heated."

At one level, it is heart breaking to see chant treated as pure entertainment, but one might argue that this is better than not being heard at all. In this case, at least, the chant can be heard in its proper setting.