Men's Small Group - first chant
  • ScapularScapular
    Posts: 8
    One of the men in my small men's group suggested that we learn chant, at least one, that we could sing. We don't know anything. How can we do this?

    Le't say that we would like something deeply spiritual and not too much by way of vocal gymnastics.

    Thanks!
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    One starter kit idea

    Some chants, in order of difficulty (IMO)
    Veni Creator Spiritus
    Adoro te devote
    Salve Regina
    Pange lingua

    These are the top of the "top 40" chant hymns known to Catholics world-wide, and can connect you to people in prayer in all of your pilgrim experiences.

    Get some good recordings that don't feel too high or two low or too slow when you hum along. You tube has some, for example. A small group will benefit from quicker pacing.

    Ask a musician you know to help you determine a starting pitch, and a way to give that pitch, for example, a pitch pipe.

    Go through the Latin text, pronouncing it slowly, one verse at a time. Pray through the translation of each verse as well.

    Add a verse or two with every meeting.

    Thanked by 1Scapular
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    Maybe a simple psalm-tone setting of the Magnificat would be good, too.
    Thanked by 1Scapular
  • BenBen
    Posts: 3,114
    I taught one of my scholas the Anima Christi from the PBC, which I used after the communion chant was finished as a chant "motet" of sorts. Latin and the length might make it a bit difficult for the congregation to learn, but if you have a schola or core group, it might be perfect, from what I know about you.

    Pojo also has a great accompaniment.
    Thanked by 1Scapular
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,229
    Start with some of the classic devotional hymns and chants:
    Adoro te devote
    Jesu dulcis memoria
    Ave verum corpus
    Salve, Regina

    They all have beautiful, simple melodies; and phrases that aren't very long, so that beginner singers won't have any trouble with breath. You can find English translations of these also, sometimes right in your parish hymnal or "missalette".

    You can find these tunes in the book "Parish Book of Chant", which you can download from the CMAA web site.

    To help your guys learn to read Gregorian chant notation, see Noel Jones' introductory guide book, which you can buy or download here.

    You can find videos of choirs or solo singers singing these chants, for help in practicing:
    Adoro te devote

    Jesu dulcis memoria

    Ave verum corpus

    Salve Regina (simple melody)


    And you'll need a singer's guide to pronouncing Church Latin:
    http://cmed.faculty.ku.edu/rehnotes/latin.html
    http://cnx.org/content/m20330/latest/

    You'll have to choose a starting pitch for each piece to make its vocal range comfortable for you and for your group. Once you decide on that pitch for each piece, you can play it on a piano (if you have one handy), or a pitch-pipe (about $15), or get a free smartphone app like "xPiano" that displays a piano-style keyboard and lets you tap it for the note you want.
    Thanked by 1Scapular
  • BenBen
    Posts: 3,114
    Anima Christi attached.
    Anima-christi_Parish-Book-of-Chant.pdf
    56K
    Thanked by 1Scapular
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    It's a men's group.

    Learn Christus Vincit.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCq8zMd69us
    Thanked by 3Andrew_Malton Ben Scapular
  • ScapularScapular
    Posts: 8
    MANY thanks! This is a most excellent forum. We will succeed and the men will be gathered to chant!
Add a Comment