Plainchant is Christian liturgical choral music unaccompanied by any instrument. It is also known as Gregorian chant because it was thought that Pope St. Gregory the Great created it. While it is now thought that Gregory did much to encourage the compilation, organization and development of existing liturgical music, the historical record does not support the assertion that he was alone responsible for its origin.
Plainchant on CD
Solesmes
Abbey of St. Solesmes, France
This Benedictine establishment is largely responsible for the modern rebirth of plainchant.
- Catholic Encyclopedia
- A brief history of the Abbey, with links.
- EWTN Pilgrim Information
- The Eternal World Television Network provides a capsule of information for Catholic pilgrims wishing to visit the Abbey.
- GIA Publications
- Important contemporary chant publications from the Abbey.
Associations & Organizations
Support & Promotion of Sacred Music
- Church Music Association of America
- from the website:
"The Church Music Association of America is an association of Catholic musicians, and those who have a special interest in music and liturgy, active in advancing Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and other forms of sacred music, including new composition, for liturgical use."
Graduals, Antiphonals & Psalters
Illuminated Hymnals
Used by choirs of monks and nuns in the Middle Ages, these beautiful books of music were sometimes taken apart and the individual leaves reused or sold.
- Art Source International
- On Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, this purveyor of maps, posters and photographs also sells individual leaves from illuminated manuscripts. Sometimes pages from graduals, antiphonals or psalters become available. There is no way to predict what might be available when. You just have to check with them.
Books about Plainchant
Illuminated Manuscripts at Auction
Music Manuscripts at Auction
Russian and Eastern Orthodox Chant
From the Eastern Christian tradition (as opposed to the Roman rite)
- Chants of the Russian Orthodox Church
- Magnatune offers chants of the Russian Orthodox Church for purchase.
- Ancient Faith Radio
- High quality internet based Orthodox programming: music, teaching, interviews, features, convert testimonies, conference recordings, and much more.
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