Gregorian Chant

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It was traditionally Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century who gathered together the first collection of liturgical music, which thereafter became known as Gregorian Chant. With the development of polyphony in the Middle Ages the chant continued to be sung and often to form the cantus firmus, the plainsong or ground of the polyphony.

After a period of decline it was taken up again with enthusiasm and in a restored form in the last century, due largely to the efforts of the French Benedictines. Gregorian chant is the official liturgical music of the Catholic Church, and is still regularly sung in certain monasteries and cathedrals.

Farnborough Abbey was founded just over one hundred years ago as the final resting place of the last Emperor of France, Napoleon III. The Premonstratensian canons installed by the Empress Eugenie were soon replaced by Benedictine monks from Solesmes, who in turn gave way to English Benedictines of the Subiaco Congregation.

The Community daily sing the Chant at Mass and the Offices, and are joined by the Abbey Choir for High Mass and other major services.