Gregorianische Gesänge für Gemischten Chor: 10 Choral Books & 1 Listening CD

Matejko's arrangement of these Gregorian texts moves beyond surface nostalgia. By drawing from the tonal language of early polyphony while maintaining the meditative quality of plainchant, he creates something that feels both historically rooted and immediately accessible to modern singers. The included Chor Coach CD transforms rehearsal efficiency, allowing singers to learn their parts independently and arrive at rehearsal genuinely prepared.

These settings merge the austere beauty of Gregorian chant with the warmth of four-part harmony. Sung well, they create a contemplative space that feels both timeless and present, inviting listeners into a moment of stillness without relying on sentimentality.

Mixed choirs (SATB) seeking repertoire that honors sacred traditions while engaging with contemporary concerns about interfaith understanding and shared human values. This collection suits choirs at intermediate to advanced levels who want to deepen their approach to choral sound and textual meaning.

• Approach the vocal line as an extension of the text's meaning rather than a melody to be shaped expressively; let the language guide your phrasing and breath placement.
• Use the Chor Coach CD strategically during the first week of rehearsal, assigning individual singers to work with their part track before the ensemble meets, then focus rehearsal time on blend and intonation together.
• Balance the four voices so that no single part overwhelms the others; these pieces succeed when they sound like a unified choral sound rather than four individual lines.
• Pay attention to the harmonic language and allow moments of relative consonance to breathe, letting dissonance serve the text rather than dominating it.

Program these pieces as a cohesive set within a concert centered on sacred or interfaith themes, or distribute them across the season as moments of reflective contrast. The three works naturally invite programming alongside other liturgical traditions, creating a genuine dialogue between musical cultures rather than a superficial medley.

• Singing in a cappella SATB texture with sustained intonation and blend
• Reading and performing text with spiritual authenticity and clear articulation
• Understanding the relationship between plainchant language and polyphonic harmony
• Independent part-learning using recorded vocal guides
• Balancing individual voice line clarity with ensemble cohesion