Western Plainchant: A Handbook (Clarendon Paperbacks) [Paperback]

David Hiley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0198165722 | ISBN-13: 978-0198165729

Plainchant is the oldest substantial body of music that has been preserved in any shape or form. It was first written down in Western Europe in the eighth to ninth centuries. Many thousands of chants have been sung at different times or places in a multitude of forms and styles, responding to the differing needs of the church through the ages. This book provides a clear and concise introduction, designed both for those to whom the subject is new and those who require a reference work for advanced study. It begins with an explanation of the liturgies that plainchant was designed to serve. It describes all the chief genres of chant, different types of liturgical book, and plainchant notations. After an exposition of early medieval theoretical writing on plainchant, Hiley provides a historical survey that traces the constantly changing nature of the repertory. He also discusses important musicians and centers of composition. Copiously illustrated with over 200 musical examples, this book highlights the diversity of practice and richness of the chant repertory in the Middle Ages. It will be an indispensable introduction and reference source on this important music for many years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I began to marvel, after a little reading, that he had managed to discuss so many aspects of the subject so clearly and in such apparent depth....For anyone interested in the history of Western music, beginning at the beginning and not, as usual, in the middle, this is now the best possible introduction."--Peter Phillips, The New Republic

"The definitive work in English on this topic to date."--Choice

"A major reference work to be used again and again."--Pastoral Music

"A beautiful book....A generation of students and scholars will bless him for his achievement."--Fanfare

About the Author

David Hiley is at University of Regensburg.

Product Details

• Paperback: 760 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198165722
• ISBN-13: 978-0198165729
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authoritative, valuable reference, September 23, 2008

By 

Steve S. Jones (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Western Plainchant: A Handbook (Clarendon Paperbacks) (Paperback)

As with other Oxford University Editions, this book is a well researched, definitive edition on the subject. A very thorough source for reference on plain chant (history, etc). It is not, however, a source for the chants themselves. Nor is it a book for the beginner as its scope would be almost overwhelming.

The Time of the Christ

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Own for Chant Scholars, December 14, 2009

By 

A. V. Yampolsky (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Western Plainchant: A Handbook (Clarendon Paperbacks) (Paperback)

The title says it all. If you have a serious interest in understanding where chant comes from, buy this book, and read it from cover to cover. It's the best survey I know of.