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Chant texts and cantus firmi

This guide provides access and information on melodies and texts of Gregorian chants for those involved in the study and performance of these works.

Introduction

This guide provides access and information on melodies and texts of Gregorian chants for those involved in the study and performance of these works. We invite you to contact us with any comments or constructive suggestions.

General reference works on chant

  • Hiley, David. Western Plainchant: A Handbook. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993. ML 3082 H54 1993

    • General reference book on chant with bibliography

    • Covers the liturgy: Mass, Office, Ceremonies of Holy Week, and other services

    • Psalm tones, antiphons, introits, hymns, sequences, and tropes

    • Liturgical books with commentary

    • Notation

  • Hiley, David. Gregorian Chant. Cambridge Introductions to Music. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009. ML 3082 H53 2009

    • Intended for those less familiar with chant and liturgy

  • Hughes, Andrew. Medieval Music: The Sixth Liberal Art. Rev. ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1980. ML 114 H8 1980

    • Annotated bibliography

    • Contains general reference works, including manuscript catalogues, general histories, texts, collections, critical editions, philosophy and music literature, and notation

    • Covers Byzantine music, plainsong, tropes, sequences, liturgical drama, medieval song, the Notre Dame School, 13th-century motet and conductus

  • Apel, Willi. Gregorian Chant. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1958. ML 3082 A64

    • General reference book on chant

    • Provides a brief introductory history of the liturgy including liturgical structure

    • Information on chant based on text, notation, tonality, and methods and forms, as well as stylistic differences

Location and contacts

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Contact:
Marvin Duchow Music Library
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Subjects: Music

Resource key

  • McGill users only
  • Open access resource
  • Free resource
  • In-library use
  • Catalogue record

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