Gregorian Chant has been called "one of the richest and most subtle art forms in music - indeed in the music of any culture." (Catholiceducation.org) Pope Francis has exhorted the People of God, "Together, devote yourselves better to song as an integral part of the Liturgy, with Gregorian chant inspiring you as the first model." (Address to Society of St. Cecilia, 9/28/2019)
This Mystagogy session provides an in-depth consideration of the history and nature of this ancient but defining aspect of our tradition as Catholics. To prepare for our discussion, here is a link to some recordings of famous Gregorian chants by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos.
Our special guest presenter for the discussion is Dr. Cynthia Nicolosi. Dr. Nicolosi has a PhD in philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. She studied music composition for two years at the Claremont Graduate School in California and completed the certificate program in Gregorian Chant at Catholic University in Washington, DC. She was the director of the college choir at Magdalen College in Warner NH for seven years. Dr. Nicolosi is now teaching music history and honors courses at Regent University.
The music in the introduction and close of this podcast is provided by George Sarah.
This program of mystagogy is hosted by the Adult Faith Programs at Saint Stephen Martyr Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.
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Intro:
Hello and welcome to the Mystagogy podcast, offered as part of the Adult Faith Programs at Saint Stephen Martyr Church in Chesapeake, VA.
In a tradition dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, newly initiated believers were prepared for ongoing lives of faith through mystagogy, a period of formation designed to deepen their spiritual, liturgical and community life. Mystagogy is a Greek word which means "leading through the mysteries."
This program has been developed by Barbara Nicolosi Harrington, a university professor of screenwriting, cinema, Great Books and theology.
Today's episode is a presentation on Gregorian Chant as the summit of sacred music.
Our guest presenter is Dr. Cynthia Nicolosi. Dr. Nicolosi has a PhD in philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy. She studied music composition for two years at the Claremont Graduate School in California and completed the certificate program in Gregorian Chant at Catholic University in Washington, DC. She was the director of the college choir at Magdalen College in Warner, NH for seven years. Dr. Nicolosi is now teaching music history and honors courses at Regent University.
Outro:
Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Mystagogy podcast.
The music for the podcast is provided by George Sarah. You can learn more about George and his music via a link in the show notes.
Until next time, be well and God bless.