From the Loft: Mass of the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Following the ringing of the bells at the Chapel of Saint Thomas More, the Catholic hymn "O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hear" was sung. This hymn is abbreviated from a melody by Louis Bourgeois (d. circa 1561); the prayer set to this melody, however, was written by Isabel Williams (d. 1911)--a wonderful example of how medieval melodies and modern prayers can be brought together to make what is sacred music--that which is eternal music. And of course, the Chant Mass Setting was sung along with Rossini's propers for the Gradual, Communion, and Introit. For communion, the choir was able to sing to Jesus and lift the souls of men to God in the beautiful work "Adoramus te, Christe" by Francois Clement Theodore Bubois (1837-1924). The English translation for this communion prayer is (thank you, William Mahrt!) "We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee: because by the holy cross thou hast redeemed the world." Immediately after this came the sublime "Ave Verum Corpus," which has been ascribed to Pope Innocent VI, d. 1362. It is in Mode 6, for all those who understand what that means! For a fitting close to this morning's Mass, the mighty hymn "Lift High the Cross" resounded through the chapel; it was followed by a roaring postlude from the new Johannus organ.

From the Loft,

Mr. Kochel

Note: Below is the translation of the wonderful chant "Ave Verum Corpus":

"Hail, true body,
born of the Virgin Mary:
Truly suffered,
died on the cross for mankind:

From whose pierced side
flowed water and blood!
Be for us a foretaste
of death in the last hour!

O gentle Jesus!
O holy Jesus!
O Jesus, Son of Mary!"

Gregorian Chant could save your life!

Interestingly enough, reports have found that "Gregorian chanting 'can reduce blood pressure and stress'"

Stress levels could be reduced simply by participating in some Gregorian chanting, researchers claimed today.

Dr Alan Watkins, a senior lecturer in neuroscience at Imperial College London, revealed that teaching people to control their breathing and applying the musical structure of chanting can help their emotional state.

He said: "We have recently carried out research that demonstrates that the regular breathing and musical structure of chanting can have a significant and positive physiological impact."
Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz

The monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz sing Gregorian melodies on their new album - the chants are said to reduce stress levels

The research involved five monks having their heart rate and blood pressure measured throughout a 24-hour period.

Results showed their heart rate and blood pressure dipped to its lowest point in the day when they were chanting.

Dr Watkins pointed to previous studies that also demonstrated such practices have been shown to lower blood pressure, increase performance hormone levels as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

The lecturer also runs Cardiac Coherence Ltd, a company that helps executives perform under stressful conditions.
He said: "The control of the breathing, the feelings of wellbeing that communal singing bring, and the simplicity of the melodies, seem to have a powerful effect on reducing blood pressure and therefore stress."

"We have found that teaching individuals to control their breathing, generate more positive emotional states and connect better with those around them – all key aspects of Gregorian chanting – can significantly improve their mental state, reduce tension, and increase their efficiency in the workplace."

Record company Universal recently chose the monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, Vienna to make an album after responding to a public interest in the genre.

The company also believes the Halo computer game series, available on PCs and Xbox consoles, sparked a resurgence in the music traditionally sung in male church choirs, as Gregorian chant-like melodies form the main soundtrack of the games.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-563533/Gregorian-chanting-reduce-blood-pressure-stress.html