Some may be surprised when we speak of the “virile character” of Church music, but in Rome, it has always been one of its foremost traits. By virile we do not exclusively mean a manly character, but rather more as a symbol of what is proud, strong, perennial. Full voice singing used to be praised, until it was replaced by poor interpretations that, despite the commendable Solesmes reform, sound like chirping souls fearful perhaps of waking sleeping children.
By contrast, the chant of faith is the chant of warriors engaged in the good fight, bearing witness to their Creator.
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