The Timeless Sequences of Liber Ymnorum
By Ralph Graves
When it comes to musical source materials, few surpass the importance of the Liber ymnorum. This collection organized and codified the sequences sung in the Catholic Church.
Notker Balbulus (c.840-912) as a monk working in the Abbey of St. Gall. He was a talented writer and composer. In the 880s, he compiled the Liber ymnorum, and contributed music to it. It’s a massive work of liturgical and musicological scholarship.
Balbulus organized all the music according to the church calendar. Those using the book to prepare a service could easily find the appropriate music.
Balbulus also carefully notated the music, ensuring its preservation through the centuries. The modern musical staff had yet to be developed. Balbulus used numes — graphic elements to indicate the rise and fall of the melody. For long and involved sequences, this was a welcome innovation. The choirmaster no longer had to rely on memory.
The Liber ymnorum is still in use, and Balbulus’ compositions are still sung.
This album features selections from the Liber ymnum, sung by the Schola Antiqua of Chicago. Director Michael Alan Andeson makes some canny programming choices. These sequences are mostly devoid of a strong rhythmic pulse or harmony.
Anderson varies his forces, providing contrast between the selections. A sequence sung by a single male voice is followed by one for women’s choi, followed by one to two males, etc.
The recording venue is spot on. St. Josaphat Parish in Chicago provides an open ambience for the sound. There’s some echo, but not enough to muddy the music. This was music designed for the church, and that open cathedral sound is part of its DNA.
The performances are excellent. This is serene, contemplative music designed to enhance worship — or at least thoughts of the Divine. It succeeds.
Notker Balbulus: Liber ymnorum
Schola Antiqua of Chicago; Michael Alan Anderson, conductor
Naxos 8.579169
