Old Churches

In Old Churches, Michael Colgrass employs Gregorian-chant type techniques to create a slightly mysterious monastery scene filled with the prayers and chanting of monks in an old church. Gregorian chant is a form of church music which has been in existence since the 9th century. The chant unfolds through call and response patterns. One monk intones a musical idea, then the rest of the monks respond by singing back. This musical conversation continues throughout the piece, with the exception of a few brief interruptions. Perhaps they are the quiet comments church visitors make to one another. (Source: published score)