Augment your proficiency and value as a musician with knowledge shared by recognized experts. Register for one, or a whole series.
I. Saint Ambrose of Milan - His Life, the Liturgy, and the Chant
II. Anglican Chant - Roots, Historical Performance, and Liturgical Applications
III. Organ Accompaniment of Gregorian Chant: To Play or Not to Play, That Is the Question
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1. Saint Ambrose of Milan - His Life, the Liturgy, and the Chant
An introduction to the life and legacy of this Italian saint, combined with an overview of the Milanese Rite, and multiple samples of Ambrosian chant.
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
A spiritual giant in the Catholic Church, Saint Ambrose is credited with writing such timeless hymns as the Te Deum and Veni, Creator Spiritus. He also introduced many significant alterations to the Liturgy in Milan during his reign as bishop in the late fourth century. His enduring influence through countless generations has contributed to the survival of the ancient Milanese Rite into the present day.
This lecture will highlight unique characteristics of the Milanese Liturgy, and bring insight to the distinctive nature of Ambrosian chant. While these chants seem overshadowed by Gregorian chant, the Ambrosian repertory remains untouched by the many revisions and codifications which were imposed over history upon the Gregorian repertory, mainly because the Ambrosian Rite was so geographically limited. In spite of its ancient origins, and its adherence to a modal system which predates the traditional eight modes, Ambrosian chant exhibits a musical form freer of strict rules and systems, and includes melismas which surpass even the most complex of Gregorian chants.
Several samples of Ambrosian chant will be examined, as well as some liturgically appropriate ways to incorporate this distinctive form of chant into the Roman Rite liturgy. A Q and A session will follow, and students will receive a number of PDFs for further study.
Saturday, March 25, 2023
10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT-5)
II. Anglican Chant - Roots, Historical Performance, and Liturgical Applications
The historic development from Fauxbourdon to Anglican chant and practical options in the Roman Rite.
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
The musical form of chant has extraordinary ability to breathe life into a sung text. Since each language has its own distinctive characteristics, a challenge naturally arises: How does one fit the text of one language to a chant tone or melody that was developed for use in another language? More to our purpose: How does one align texts in English (a language with far more single syllable words than Latin, lacking consistency in word accents, and exhibiting sizable range in sentence length) to chant tones and melodies which were composed for use with Latin texts?
We will trace the historical treatment of this problem, from the development of fauxbourdon (a harmonized form of chant) into today’s Anglican chant. An analysis of the workings of Anglican chant will ensue, followed by practical applications: how to fit an English text to an Anglican chant setting, and special considerations for accompaniment and conducting of the chant. We will also touch briefly on other tones which are better adapted to the English language than their Latin counterparts.
Lecture will conclude with a Q and A session and an abundance of digital materials for further study.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT-5)
Full tuition: $200 USD
III. Organ Accompaniment of Gregorian Chant:
To Play or Not to Play, That Is the Question
Examining organ accompaniment of chant, styles and principles, plus tips to craft your own.
60-minute live, online lecture by Dr. Horst Buchholz. Read bio...
The subject of chant accompaniment is a topic of lively discussion in the chant community. When might one wish to accompany chant? What does accompaniment do to the chant? These and other questions will be investigated, especially with regard to the relationship of organ support to congregational singing.
The bottom line: there are many ways to accompany chant depending on the situation, and there are a number of critical factors that will determine your success. We will explore these factors: whether or not to play the melody, how to determine chords and inversions, alternatim singing of schola and congregation, use of organ stops, manuals and pedals (or manuals only), observations about male and female voices, and improvisation.
Lecture will provide items of interest to beginning and experienced organists alike, and study materials to “take home". Several demonstrations will be included, with a Q and A session to follow.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 (same as lecture on May 6)
10:00 am, USA Central Time Zone (GMT-5)
Full tuition: $200 USD
Receive a 10 per cent reduction in tuition if formally enrolled by May 24.
Technical Requirements
A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet (the larger the screen the better) equipped with videocamera (no cell phones, please), and Zoom app installed. Reliable access to high-speed internet is a must. Students are responsible for having working technology.
Tuition
A student is considered "formally enrolled" once registration has been completed and tuition payment has been made in full.
Ask your parish whether funding is available for continuing education.
Tuition may also be tax deductible for professional (compensated) musicians.