Similar to many other students, I like listening to music while I study. Music provides a way for me to focus while I concentrate on finishing an assignment. While other students may prefer nature sounds, acoustic versions of pop songs, or smooth jazz songs, I have discovered that I really enjoy keeping Gregorian chant in the background. Gregorian chant is a type of Catholic Church music used heavily during Mass in medieval times, and is sung in Latin.
This may not seem like a popular opinion for a college student, but I find that I enjoy the calm songs of monks, nuns, and other artists singing hymns and prayers acapella. My fondness for this music may also stem from me being Catholic. I’m definitely not the most devout practitioner by any means (I’m rather on the other end of the spectrum), but I like knowing that the hymns and prayers recorded today have the ability to trace their roots back to the 9th and 10th centuries and to Pope Gregory, and are part of a tradition that has been around for many centuries.
Since I study Classics and take Latin, I can recognize the prayers and how they roughly translate. However, since the vowels are elongated within the songs, I have to concentrate to be able to make out the words being sung, so I can keep the songs in the background without them distracting me as I try to work. But most of the time I am able to easily translate the title of the song and get an idea of what it is about. I also find the songs to be calming not only when I’m trying to study or work on an essay, but also if I want to relax or sleep. The harmonies of the (most likely) monks singing the songs allow the listener to take in the many voices of the of the chorus and enjoy the music.
Gregorian chant was brought to the forefront of popular culture in the 90s, when the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos released an album entitled Chant. These monks recorded the songs from their monastery in Burgos, Spain, and Chant became a top selling album when it was released amongst other New Age music in 1994, marketed for its relaxing capabilities. Here is a sample from that album. Also in popular media is the song “In Noctem” off the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince soundtrack. The scene featuring the Hogwarts choir singing the chant-like song was unfortunately cut from the final film, but is sung in both Latin and English. Here is a video of the scene including lyrics.
I happened to discover Gregorian chant when I was going through my parents’ CD collection and came across Chant. I took a listen, and learned I found this music oddly relaxing. Since then, I have branched out to a Pandora station of Gregorian chant, and listen to when I feel stressed or need calm music. So while others may find Gregorian chant either creepy or haunting, it makes the perfect study music for me.
