Additional information
by Nicola A. Montani (Author)
A living treasury of sacred song for parish choirs and congregations, The St. Gregory Hymnal And Catholic Choir Book gathers repertoire that sustained American worship in the early decades of the 20th century. Singers will find solace here. Compiled and arranged by Nicola Montani, this Catholic choir hymnal reads as a practical church choir resource and a richly textured sacred music anthology: a comprehensive Gregorian chant collection is paired with approachable settings of traditional Latin hymns and Catholic mass songs, each organised with the needs of liturgical choir music and choir director use in mind. The balance between chant and hymnody shows the influence of the Solesmes chant style while responding to the straightforward musical demands of parish life; as part of the Montani hymnal series, the volume captures both devotional intent and pragmatic rehearsal sense, making it useful for chapel study, congregational singing and musical research into American Catholic music. As an early 20th century hymnal, it offers a clear snapshot of editorial choices - which pieces were prioritised for parish use and how chant was shaped for American congregations. Practical and evocative, the arrangements favour clarity of line and congregational participation, making the book both performable and instructive. Republished by Alpha Editions in a careful modern edition, this volume preserves the spirit of the original while making it effortless to enjoy today - a heritage title prepared for readers and collectors alike. Historically, the hymnal stands at the crossroads of a wider early 20th century movement to restore chant and refine church music, and so it is of interest to casual readers who appreciate traditional liturgy as well as classic-literature collectors seeking significant examples of ecclesiastical print culture. Collectors will value its documentary interest; musicians and researchers will welcome direct access to historical repertoire and practice. Whether consulted by a choir director searching for authentic repertoire, a singer exploring traditional Latin hymnody, or a collector assembling a library of sacred works, this edition offers direct access to a landmark of American Catholic music.
