Rhythmic and metrical groupings of chant notation as an influence upon the conducting for the

Abstract

This project focuses on the relationship between plainchant notation and the conducting gesture in the Quatre Motets Sur Des Themes Gregoriens, Op. 10 of Maurice Durufle. Durufle's intimate knowledge of the chant practices of the Solesmes school of chant interpretation is a major influence in the compositional style of the four motets. This project explores the relevance of the Solesmes interpretational practices and their influence on Durufle's compositional technique. The conducting gesture employed in the realization of the motets must demonstrate an active knowledge of the compositional techniques employed and the Solesmes interpretational practices. As such the incorporation of traditional Gregorian Chironomy into a working gesture for use in the rehearsal and performance of the motets is the essence of this project.