4 Replies to “Turkington Does Wisconsin”

  1. "Because it has no instrumental accompaniment or harmonies, one would think Gregorian chant is simple. But the square notes, four-lined staff and many notes for each syllable are a clue it takes some work to learn."

    Yes, it does. But once the very basics are understood (and Scott does a wonderful job teaching them), chant is not as difficult as some may think it is. Then it becomes a matter of perfecting the appropriate style and musicality.

  2. I was blessed to attend the workshop in Wisconsin. I had NO idea how to read chant and have only sung it on rare occasions (those chants that are most common and picked up by ear). Scott is an excellent teacher! His knowledge of chant, his abilities both as a singer and conductor, and the ease (and humor) with which he taught made it easy to pick up chant quickly. I love the picture that is painted on each page!

    Scott has a beautiful gift. May God bless him as he continues to share it! Hope to see him back in Wisconsin again one day!!

  3. It is difficult because it's actually so much less rigid and so much more expressive and human than modern musical form/notation. Chant is also extremely beautiful. Listening to the small schola formed from some of the most experienced among our class at the workshop this weekend as they sang during Mass on Satuday was like being in Heaven. The sound is simply unearthly. And yet the Lord allows us to participate in creating such angelic music.

    I was able to figure out the basics of Chant just from looking at it over the years. But learning the art of it takes effort. It's well worth it. I pray and hope we will be able to start a Schola at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

    The main reason it breaks my heart that most of the Mass at most parishes around here is not chanted, is that it is a deeply converting experience to hear and participate in a chanted Mass, and I wish it for everyone. We were robbed of our patrimony by the wrong-headed implementation of Vatican II (no catechesis, no Chant, no sacred beauty in church architecture, and much wrong/false theology in what was provided/taught/built/sung)…and by the mercy of God, many of us have rediscovered these treasures. By God's grace may I contribute to spreading the true faith–and by his grace may all those with great musical gifts put them at the service of teching Chant to congregations!! Amen!

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