Chant School

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe SIXTH in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum,lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum:veni, et salva hominem,quem de limo formasti.English:O King of the nations, and their desire,the cornerstone making both one:Come and save the human race,which you fashioned from clay.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe FIFTH in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O Oriens,splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae:veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.English:O Morning Star,splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe FOURTH in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel;qui aperis, et nemo claudit;claudis, et nemo aperit:veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.English:O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;you open and no one can shut;you shut and no one can open:Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe THIRD in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum,super quem continebunt reges os suum,quem Gentes deprecabuntur:veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.English:O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;before you kings will shut their mouths,to you the nations will make their prayer:Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe SECOND in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat.Latin:O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel,qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,et ei in Sina legem dedisti:veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.English:O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bushand gave him the law on Sinai:Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

PDF of the the antiphons: https://tinyurl.com/thegreatantiphonsThe first in a seven-day series in which we learn the "O Antiphons." These beautiful chants date back to the 8th century, and are traditionally sung on the last 7 days leading up to Christmas, during Vespers just before the Magnificat. O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti,attingens a fine usque ad finem,fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia:veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,reaching from one end to the other,mightily and sweetly ordering all things:Come and teach us the way of prudence.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Thomas teaches you the chants 4th Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday). The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: https://tinyurl.com/roratecaelidesuperGradual: https://tinyurl.com/propeestAlleluia: https://tinyurl.com/venidomineetnoliOffertory: https://tinyurl.com/avemariaoffertoryCommunion: https://tinyurl.com/eccevirgo

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings through the chants for Gaudete Sunday. He sings through chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again.The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 1:00: https://tinyurl.com/gaudeteindominosemperGradual: 6:15: https://tinyurl.com/QuisedesdomineAlleluia: 12:50: https://tinyurl.com/exitadomineOffertory: 16:45 https://tinyurl.com/benedixistidomineCommunion: 20:45 https://tinyurl.com/dicitepusillanimes

Link to music: https://tinyurl.com/nasceturproteAlthough Veni, Veni, Emmanuel as a whole only dates back to the 17th century, its origins are much more ancient. This hymn, perhaps the best known Advent hymn of all time, is a combination of the O Antiphons which are at least 1200 years old. Based on prophecies about Jesus from Isaiah all the way through Zachariah, these antiphons were sung before the Magnificat during Vespers: one on each of the last seven days before Christmas:17 December: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)18 December: O Adonai (O Lord)19 December: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)20 December: O Clavis David (O Key of David)21 December: O Oriens (O Dayspring)22 December: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)23 December: O Emmanuel (O God is With Us)It didn't first appear as a hymn until the 18th century, and it wasn't until the 20th century that the origins of the melody were discovered: in an old manuscript of music for a French Requiem Mass. If you recall the readings for the first Sunday of Advent, and the apocalyptic, end-times imagery there, and Christ's exhortation to "stay awake and keep watch!" then perhaps the most popular Advent carol of all time having its melodic origins in a Requiem is rather appropriate.In this episode, we’ll teach you both the traditional melody for the hymn, as well as the simple original harmony, and give you some ideas for varying the way you sing this to make it possible to sing the whole hymn at Mass!LATINVeni, veni Emmanuel! Captivum solve Israel! Qui gemit in exilio, Privatus Dei Filio, Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel. Veni o Jesse virgula! Ex hostis tuos ungula, De specu tuos tartari Educ, et antro barathri. Gaude…Veni, veni o oriens! Solare nos adveniens, Noctis depelle nebulas, Dirasque noctis tenebras. Gaude… Veni clavis Davidica! Regna reclude coelica, Fac iter Tutum superum, Et claude vias Inferum. Gaude… Veni, veni Adonai![b] Qui populo in Sinai Legem dedisti vertice, In maiestate gloriae. Gaude…Veni, O Sapientia, Quae hic disponis omnia, Veni, viam prudentiae Ut doceas et gloriae.Gaude… Veni, Veni, Rex Gentium, Veni, Redemptor omnium, Ut salves tuos famulos Peccati sibi conscios.Gaude…ENGLISHO come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice!...O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice!...O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heav'nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice!...O come, Adonai, Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times didst give the law In cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice!...O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show, And cause us in her ways to go. Rejoice!...O come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind; Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice!...

Link to the music: https://tinyurl.com/conditoralmeThis is one of the most ancient hymns we've sung so far, dating back to the 7th century! It was revised over 1000 years later because it didn't follow the rules for Latin poetry, and to remove a single Greek word: hagie (holy).Although the translation is usually rendered: Creator of the stars of night, siderum is not precisely the same as the more common stella. Siderum includes the notion of sun, moon, planets, and all the constellations of stars. In other words, this is a hymn to the Loving Creator of the Universe (see verse 2).It also evokes the season of Advent in the sense that we have been living it since the Ascension 2000 years ago: awaiting the second coming of Christ at the end of time. A beautiful hymn to sing this Advent as we await His coming at Christmas!Latin:1 Cónditor alme síderum,aetérna lux credéntium,Christe, redémptor ómnium,exáudi preces súpplicum.2 Qui cóndolens intéritumortis períre saeculum,salvásti mundum lánguidum,donans reis remédium:3 Vergénte mundi véspere,uti sponsus de thálamo,egréssus honestíssimaVírginis matris cláusula:4 Cuius forti poténtiægenu curvántur ómnia,Caeléstia, terréstria,mutu faténtur súbdita.5 Te déprécamur agie,ventúre judex saéculi,consérva nos in témporehostis a telo pérfidi.6 Laus, honor, virtus, glóriaDeo Patri, et Filío,sancto Simul Paráclitoin saeculórum saécula. Amen.1. Creator of the stars of night,thy people’s everlasting light,Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,and hear Thy servants when they call.2. Thou, grieving that the ancient curseshould doom to death a universe,hast found the medicine, full of grace,to save and heal a ruined race.3. Thou cam’st, the Bridegroom of the bride,as drew the world to evening-tide;proceeding from a virgin shrine,the spotless victim all divine.4. At whose dread name, majestic now,all knees must bend, all hearts must bow;and things celestial Thee shall own,and things terrestrial, Lord alone.5. O Thou whose coming is with dreadto judge and doom the quick and dead,preserve us, while we dwell below,from every insult of the foe.6. To God the Father, God the Son,and God the Spirit, Three in One,laud, honor, might, and glory befrom age to age eternally.

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings the propers for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.Click below for PDF's of the chants:Introit (1:15): https://tinyurl.com/gaudensgaudeboGradual (9;40): https://tinyurl.com/benedictaestuvirgoAlleluia: (18:15) https://tinyurl.com/totapulchraesOffertory: (24:25) https://tinyurl.com/avemariagratiaplenaCommunion: (29:00) https://tinyurl.com/gloriosadictasunt

Propers of the Year: A series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings through each chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again. The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 1:00 https://tinyurl.com/populussionGradual: 10:10 https://tinyurl.com/exsionspeciesAlleluia: 22:00 https://tinyurl.com/laetatussumOffertory: 30:05 https://tinyurl.com/deustuconvertensCommunion: 35:10 https://tinyurl.com/jerusalemsurge

Link to sheet music: https://tinyurl.com/adoroteSt. Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest intellects of all time. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. But did you know he is also regarded as one of the greatest Catholic poets of all time? And he only wrote 5 poems – 38 stanzas of poetry.In 1264, Pope Urban IV established the Solemnity of The Body of Christ, and asked St. Thomas Aquinas to write the texts for the Mass and the Divine Office for this new feast. Although St. Thomas was known for his scholarly – not poetical – work, he produced five of the best, known, best loved hymns in history:1. Adoro Te Devote2. Sacris Solemniis (Known for the final two verses: “Panis angelicus…”)3. Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Known for the final two verses: “O salutaris hostia…”)4. Pange Lingua (Known for the final two verses: “Tantum ergo…”)5. Lauda Sion (Known for its final verses: “Ecce panis angelorum…”)“Eucharist” is Greek for “Thanksgiving”. I think it’s fair to say that the original Thanksgiving Day was night of the Last Supper. And the ultimate Thanksgiving feast will be the Wedding Banquet in Heaven! In the meantime, we’re going to enjoy some Turkey and stuffing…LATIN:ADORO te devote, latens Deitas, quae sub his figuris vere latitas: tibi se cor meum totum subiicit, quia te contemplans totum deficit.Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur, sed auditu solo tuto creditur; credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius: nil hoc verbo Veritatis verius.In cruce latebat sola Deitas, at hic latet simul et humanitas; ambo tamen credens atque confitens, peto quod petivit latro paenitens.Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor; Deum tamen meum te confiteor; fac me tibi semper magis credere, in te spem habere, te diligere.O memoriale mortis Domini! panis vivus, vitam praestans homini! praesta meae menti de te vivere et te illi semper dulce sapere.Pie pellicane, Iesu Domine, me immundum munda tuo sanguine; cuius una stilla salvum facere totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.Iesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio, oro fiat illud quod tam sitio; ut te revelata cernens facie, visu sim beatus tuae gloriae. Amen.ENGLISH:Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore, Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more, See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived: How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed; What God’s Son has told me, take for truth I do; Truth Himself speaks truly or there’s nothing true.On the cross Thy godhead made no sign to men, Here Thy very manhood steals from human ken: Both are my confession, both are my belief, And I pray the prayer of the dying thief.I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see, But can plainly call thee Lord and God as he; Let me to a deeper faith daily nearer move, Daily make me harder hope and dearer love.O thou our reminder of Christ crucified, Living Bread, the life of us for whom he died, Lend this life to me then: feed and feast my mind, There be thou the sweetness man was meant to find.Bring the tender tale true of the Pelican; Bathe me, Jesu Lord, in what Thy bosom ran Blood whereof a single drop has power to win All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.Jesu, whom I look at shrouded here below, I beseech thee send me what I thirst for so, Some day to gaze on thee face to face in light And be blest for ever with Thy glory’s sight. Amen.

Link to sheet music: https://tinyurl.com/almaredemptorissolemnAs promised, here is a bonus episode for the adventurous who want to learn the solemn tone of the Alma Redemptoris Mater. As you'll see, it is much more difficult to sing than the simple tone, but it is proportionally more fulfilling to sing and to hear! In fact, this may very well be the most beautiful chant ever written....enjoy!LATIN:ALMA Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo: tu quae genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.ENGLISH:Kind mother of the Redeemer, who remain the open gate of heaven and the star of the sea: help your falling people who want to rise, you who bore your holy Creator, while nature marveled: a Virgin before and after, receiving that Ave from Gabriel's mouth, have mercy on us sinners.

Link to the sheet music: https://tinyurl.com/almaredemptorismaterHappy New Year and welcome to one of our favorite musical Liturgical Seasons – ADVENT. It’s not just because Christmas is around the corner and we’re brushing up on our favorite Christmas chants and carols: there is beautiful music for Advent as well, full of yearning for the Incarnation and rejoicing in the “Yes” of our Blessed Mother.When the calendar turns from Ordinary Time to Advent, the Marian Antiphon traditionally sung at compline changes from the Salve Regina to today’s chant: Alma Redemptoris Mater. Although it was originally sung as an “antiphon” that is: sung once, followed by a psalm set to a simple tone, and then sung again, it is now a sort of standalone piece: sung as the hymn at the end of Night Prayer during Advent. We urge you to sing this every day during Advent and Christmas!As with the other Marian Antiphons, there is a simple tone, and a solemn tone. We’ll be teaching you the simple tone in this episode, but we’ll also release a separate episode where you can learn the solemn tone…it’s not too hard!LATIN:ALMA Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo: tu quae genuisti, Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.ENGLISH:Kind mother of the Redeemer, who remain the open gate of heaven and the star of the sea: help your falling people who want to rise, you who bore your holy Creator, while nature marveled: a Virgin before and after, receiving that Ave from Gabriel's mouth, have mercy on us sinners.

Propers of the Year: A new series of episodes in which we provide instruction and practice for more advanced chanters who are interested in preparing the Gregorian propers for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Please let us know what you think!In this episode, Giorgio sings through each chant slowly, highlights difficult sections, and sings through it slowly again. At the end of the episode, he sings through all the propers at normal speed.The time for each section is listed below, along with links to PDF's for each chant (courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed):Introit: 2:00 https://tinyurl.com/adtelavavidomineGradual: 11:10 https://tinyurl.com/universiquiteAlleluia: 19:00 https://tinyurl.com/alleluiaostendeOffertory: 28:45 https://tinyurl.com/adtedominelevaviCommunion: 35:40 https://tinyurl.com/dominusdabitAll chants, regular speed: 39:10:

Link to sheet music: https://tinyurl.com/tesaeculorumLearn to sing Te Saeculorum Principem.We’re coming up on the end of the liturgical year, and we want to teach you this lovely hymn for the Solemnity of Christ the King. Now this feast is only 100 years old, so this is not technically an ancient chant of the church, but its beautiful poetry and marvelous melody recommend it us. This chant is from Vespers for the feast of Christ the King, but since this is not usually sung anymore (SAD!) this would be a wonderful hymn to sing at Mass on the Solemnity.The final two lines are just spectacular: “His empire shall be multiplied, and there will be no end of peace.” YES! Jesus is King!It also has some stanzas (6 – 8) which may seem provocative in our time…1. Te saeculorum Principem, Te, Christe, Regem Gentium, Te mentium,Te cordium Unum fatemur arbitrum.2. Scelesta turba clamitat: Regnare Christum nolumus: Te nos ovantes omniumRegem supremum dicimus.3. O Christe, Princeps Pacifer, Mentes rebelles subiice: Tuoque amore devios,Ovile in unum congrega.4. Ad hoc cruenta ab arbore, Pendes apertis brachiis: Diraque fossum cuspide Cor igne flagrans exhibes.5. Ad hoc in aris abderis Vini dapisque imagine, Fundens salutem filiis Transverberato pectore.6. Te nationum Praesides Honore tollant publico, Colant magistri, iudices,Leges et artes exprimant.7. Submissa regum fulgeant Tibi dicata insignia: Mitique sceptro patriamDomosque subde civium.8. Iesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui sceptra mundi temperas, cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. Amen.V. Multiplicabitur eius imperium.R. Et pacis non erit finis.1. Thou, Prince of all ages, Thou, O Christ, the King of the nations, we acknowledge Thee the one Judge of all hearts and minds.2. The wicked mob screams out. "We don't want Christ as king," While we, with shouts of joy, hail Thee as the world's supreme King.3. O Christ, peace-bringing Prince, subjugate the rebellious minds: And in Thy love, bring together in one flock those going astray.4. For this, with arms outstretched, Thou hung, bleeding, on the Cross,and the cruel spear that pierced Thee, showed man a Heart burning with love.5. For this, Thou art hidden on our altars under the form of bread and wine,and pour out on Thy children from Thy pierced side the grace of salvation.6. May the rulers of the world publicly honor and extol Thee; May teachers and judges reverence Thee; May the laws express Thine order and the arts reflect Thy beauty.7. May kings find renown in their submission and dedication to Thee. Bring under Thy gentle rule our country and our homes.8. Glory be to Thee, O Jesus, supreme over all secular authorities; And glory be to the Father and the loving Spirit through endless ages. Amen.V. His empire shall be multiplied.R. And there shall be no end of peace.

Learn to sing Salve Regina. This beautiful Marian Antiphon is traditionally sung after the Rosary and after Night Prayer during Ordinary time. Mary has also revealed in visions that this is one of her favorites!Link to sheet music: https://tinyurl.com/simpletonesalvereginaLyrics and TranslationSalve, Regina, Mater misericordiæ,vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevæ,Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentesin hac lacrimarum valle.Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuosmisericordes oculos ad nos converte;Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.----Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope.To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;to you we send up our sighs,mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.Turn, then, most gracious advocate,your eyes of mercy toward us;and after this, our exile,show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Learn to sing Jesu Dulcis Memoria (Chant link: https://tinyurl.com/jesudulcis). A hymn used in the liturgy of the hours on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, with 53 verses! Thankfully the melody repeats...Link to lyrics and translation: https://tinyurl.com/JesuDulcisLyrics

Learn to sing the Ave Verum (Chant link: https://tinyurl.com/corpusnatum), one of the greatest Eucharistic hymns from the Middle Ages. It was long traditional to sing this hymn during the elevation of the Eucharist, and it has since been set by many of the most prominent polyphonic composers -- Byrd, Mozart, to name a few. This chant predates them all and was their inspiration.Ave, verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine: vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine: cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum, mortis in examine. O Jesu dulcis, O Jesu pie, O Jesu Fili Mariae. Hail true body, born of the Virgin Mary: You who truly suffered and were sacrificed on the cross for the sake of man. From whose pierced side flowed water and blood: Be a foretaste for us in the trial of death. O sweet, O merciful, O Jesus, Son of Mary.

Learn to sing the Ave Maria. Although this text has been set many times over the years, the original Gregorian melody is evocative and beautiful.Link to the chant: https://tinyurl.com/kwkedkwAve, María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum. Benedicta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Learn to sing the Ave Maris Stella. Link to PDF: https://tinyurl.com/2uenz5v5Ave, maris stella,Dei mater alma, atque semper virgo, felix cœli porta.Hail, star of the sea, Nurturing Mother of God, And ever Virgin, Happy gate of Heaven.(Link to full lyrics and translation: https://tinyurl.com/hailstarofthesea)