Reflection on the experience by the monks of Pluscarden
Nobody had ever before asked us to collaborate in a project putting together Gregorian Chant and live improvised Piano. When we receive odd requests, we usually attempt to respond with a sweet smile. This will normally be followed by a straight No, or possibly by lengthy prevarication, which usually comes to the same thing. In this case the request was repeated, and more than once. Um… ah… well… Then some phone conversations took place; then some discussion on our own side; some more prevarication, followed by two or three visits. Then: we know this is a big risk, but because - just perhaps - it will give glory to God; we know this sounds crazy, but Yes!
So: a Blüthner grand piano duly appeared in our Church, and for two days in mid-summer 2022 we worked hard with Tom Donald and his team, singing, recording, experimenting.
Pluscarden monks sing Gregorian Chant, and nothing but Gregorian Chant, for several hours every single day. The Chant has its own unsurpassed merits, of course: of beauty, of antiquity, of singability, of sacredness; of unfailing power to move, to inspire, to uplift; to adorn and communicate holy words, so that we somehow enter into these words, and they enter into us, and become part of us. But even beyond all that: for Pluscarden monks the constantly repeated, ever varying Chant serves as a primary expression of our worship, our prayer, our faith, our witness, our whole way of life dedicated to God’s service.
We were very happy that Tom Donald and Beck Donaldson clearly understood this, and precisely valued it. They wanted not professional singers but monks: those who live the Chant, pray with it, believe in what it proclaims, share the principles and traditions of those who composed it. They also of course wanted 21st century monks, who are familiar, more or less, with modern music, and modern thought, and modern technology, and who enjoy both a challenge and a quite new musical experience.
Probably the main interest of the visiting Team was to see how the Chant can interact with live improvised Piano. Conversely, the main interest of the monks involved was to see how live improvised Piano can interact with the Chant! So we sang, just as we always do, while Tom played, there before us: fascinatingly, astonishingly, fluently, enjoyably. This last must be the word that best sums up the experience of these days from the Pluscarden side: it was all hugely enjoyable!
The whole idea still sounds a little bit odd, and it remains to be seen whether or not the risk we took will have been worth it. But at least some of what was produced sounds really marvellous. The piano really did seem to bring out, not swamp, the genius of the Chant. We continue to hope, and to pray, that it will all somehow give God glory.
To watch the trailer on Vimeo please click on the link/image below.
