The Prayerful Dance of Chant
Those of us who were privileged to study under Gisbert Brandt at the 2004 CMAA Colloquium, held at Catholic University, learned to treat chant lines as music that inspire a sense of dance. In this way the music was infused with a constant motion, disciplined energy, and joy. In this interview, conducted by Arlene-Oost Zinner at the Colloquium and appearing two weeks ago in The Wanderer, the November 24, 2004 issue, Brandt explains another aspect to the chant:
Chant makes the Divine accessible. Chant is liturgical music; it belongs in the liturgy. It is first and foremost meditative music. It is never self-serving, but serves to draw the listener into the liturgy. It does not exist for our entertainment.... But to discover its beauty, one must make the effort to approach it without prejudice. One must listen and allow it to have its effect. Ridding oneself of prejudice is an enormous challenge.Brandt discusses his own background, training, and current work with choirs of all ages. The interview is also available in pdf.
3 Comments:
Good interview and good thoughts from Mr Brandt. I'd add the experience that transcends listening is actual participation. I also found it interesting to ponder the experiences in which a solo voice sings unaccompanied in pop music, and such instances are not unheard of. Often such songs become signature pieces of a sort for the performers, and off the top of my head, I think of LeeAnn Rimes' version of Amazing Grace. More common would be a cappella renditions of the national anthem and/or God Bless America at sporting events.
The most substantial obstacle to a greater use of chant is that parish musicians are untutored in doing it well. In the past two weeks, I've heard some strange interpretations on how Veni Veni Emmanuel should be performed. No wonder people are averse to learning Conditor Alme Siderum.
I was surprised and amused to see the Rev. Ralph March, O.Cist. referred to as "Fr. March, an American with close ties to Catholic University." Father March is currently an adjunct professor in music at the University of Dallas, where he returned a few years ago after a long period in Cologne. He is a member of Our Lady of Dallas Abbey there in Irving.
I should add, for the benefit of non-members, that Father March is also a director of the CMAA.
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