Benedictine Abbey of the Valley of the Fallen offers Gregorian chant classes

The Benedictine abbey of the Valley of the Fallen in Madrid (Spain) organizes the XLV Week of Gregorian Studies at the end of August, an opportunity to learn the Gregorian chantunder the arms of the largest cross in the world.

With just over 152 meters high, the cross of the Valley of the Fallen has been recognized since 2001 by Guinness Records as the largest cross in the world.

From Monday, August 26 to Saturday, August 31, 2024, this training session organized by the Hispanic Association for the Study of Gregorian Chant (AHisECGre) will be held at the Hospedería attached to the Abbey of the Holy Cross, to which students of any age can register. age and singing level, until August 18.

Thus, students can freely select any of the four courses offered (Initiation, Intermediate, Advanced and Improvement), although for the most specialized it is recommended to have extensive knowledge of the knowledge taught at the lower levels.

In the introductory course, participants will be able to introduce themselves to the so-called “square notation”, the singing of psalmody, making a first foray into the “pronunciation of liturgical Latin”, as well as soaking up the necessary notions of liturgy.

In the Intermediate grade, you advance in your knowledge of the history of Gregorian chant, and advance in various technical aspects of this particular form of liturgical chant.

In the advanced course, students have the opportunity to learn various types of more complex notations such as Laon and Aquitaine and delve into the spiritual component of Gregorian music in which music is put at the service of the Word.

The degree of perfection focuses on the figure of Hildegard von Bingen and liturgical singing in 19th century Europe. XII.

The enrollment for those under 30 years of age it is free and it is recommended that “all students are recommended to bring a copy of the Graduale Triplex as it is the fundamental working instrument at all levels of the course.” This is the book that contains the singing of the Mass in the Gregorian repertoire.

Among the teaching staff are some members of the Benedictine community of the Abbey of the Holy Cross, as well as various experts in the field who are part of the AHisECGre.

As a guest professor, this year they will have the director of the Institute of Sacred Music of the John Paul II Pontifical University of Krakow, Susi Ferfoglia.