Gregorian Chant. By David Hiley.
Richard L. Crocker
Building on his mastery of Gregorian scholarship, as demonstrated in handbook Western Plainchant (Oxford, 1993), and uncommonly good musical sense, Hiley's account chant this book provides the general reader with not just an introduction but a thorough understanding repertory. In addition to reassuring about relevance history repertory its current performance, should be helpful fellow academic scholars those struggling administration music Roman Catholic community. is well ordered plan transparent execution. First he gives social architectural context high Middle Ages, using Worcester Cathedral specific locus, followed by liturgical Mass Office, then systematic survey central repertory, longer or shorter notices each item, examples. Then comes historical order destiny from earliest times down twentieth century. It find medieval theory notation closely coordinated style performance. The most important aspect account, however, even-handed, eminently judicious review summary several contentious issues that have so vexed topic since times. presentation these issues, which I admirable, prompts me make more detailed observations follow.
Music & Letters