It was in June 1985, in Pont-à-Mousson, at the end of the symposium "Music in the Church Today." Maurice Fleuret—may his soul rest in peace—the magnificent director of music and dance for Minister Jack Lang, took the floor. His words were fiery. Words of supplication; one could say so, since he himself pleaded. I will quote him directly, but I have never forgotten that word: it is his. He spoke of what Western music, from its origins to the present day, owed to the Church, to the liturgy of the Church, what the music of Monteverdi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Messiaen owed to the music of the Church: everything . To the liturgical music of the Church, Western music owed everything, he said. And he himself, Maurice Fleuret, in his own life as a musician, what did he owe to the music of the Church? Everything . He owed it everything, he said. And this Western music, which owed everything to the Church, to the Church's liturgy, what did it owe to Gregorian chant? Everything , he said. To Gregorian chant, all Western music, he said, owed everything . But the Spirit of Gregorian chant, he said, this spirit which he could not imagine ceasing to breathe, where was it breathed? In the liturgy, he said. And it was at this moment that he implored the Church…: “I beg you,” he exclaimed, addressing the clergy present, “do not leave the monopoly of Gregorian chant to the State. It is made for the liturgy. And it is in the liturgy that it must be practiced.”
Even though Gregorian chant is sung less frequently (go figure, considering Vatican II recommended it as a major chant of the liturgy), it remains a treasure of Europe. Maurice Fleuret, a student of Olivier Messiaen and a minister under Jack Lang, rightly pointed this out above. Gregorian chant was overlooked by those who promulgated it, making it difficult to gain a clear understanding of its significance. Those who dedicate time to retreats in monasteries or who simply enjoy listening to Gregorian chant know that it resonates with both believers and non-believers. Gregorian chant defies categorization. Rooted yet distant, powerful yet delicate, humble yet solemn, fragile yet vigorous. Brother Toussaint, a former monk of Sainte Madeleine du Barroux Abbey, now a hermit, offers Gregorian chant lessons tailored to your individual level. He is an excellent teacher, and I can attest to that!
Brother Toussaint offers very flexible options. You can take courses remotely or come in person (the Saint-Bède hermitage is located between Lyon and Grenoble). For now, he cannot yet accommodate anyone, although he hopes to eventually build a small guesthouse to welcome guests. There is accommodation available not far from the hermitage. Those who knew Le Barroux in its early days know Brother Toussaint's secret but acknowledged desire to recreate that unique atmosphere and to welcome a few guests to immerse them in near-perpetual prayer. For now, it's a good idea to start by learning to sing, which gives Brother Toussaint time to raise the funds to expand his facilities (patrons are welcome!). Rates are reduced for groups. One hour, three days—all options are available. Brother Toussaint will gladly leave his hermitage to teach you the art of Gregorian chant.
Information: Learn Gregorian chant with a Benedictine monk
Reservations: https://frere-toussaint.reservio.com/
And the complete website where you can discover Brother Toussaint's articles on eremitism: https://www.ermites-saint-benoit.com/
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