VIDEO: Catholic Cantor Releases Possible First Recording of 1,000-Year-Old Gregorian Chant
COLTS NECK, N.J. — On a Monday morning in Colts Neck, New Jersey, Carly York’s soprano sound can be heard leading the parish of St. Mary in song.
The notes are high, but on her new album “I Heard the Voice,” she delivers something even closer to heaven: what may be the first ever recording of a one thousand-year-old Gregorian chant.
“The middle verse literally talks about the voice of God speaking from heaven and saying, this is my beloved son — listen to him,” York said.
It’s called “O Nata Lux de Lumine,” which translates to “O Light Born of Light.” The melody has inspired composers who span centuries, yet to York’s knowledge the chant in its purest form has never been recorded.
LISTEN TO CARLY YORK ON SPOTIFY:
“Doing more research I believe my colleagues and I are the first people to record the Gregorian chant that has had a long life, a thousand years,” she said.
York tracked down the original notation, traveling through history until she got to the archives of the Benedictine monks of Solesmes in France. She asked for their permission. Their response? A resounding yes.
“They have it printed in a hymn book of their own from 1983 and that was the only source that I could find for this particular hymn. And they wrote and said that it was, you know, a very ancient hymn,” said York.
Now on her new album, York dives into the ancient tradition of Gregorian chant, an art form she says has helped her to feel the depth of her Catholic faith.
“The beginning of music history starts with Gregorian chant. It’s mesmerizing, it’s such a mystical sound. We would not have music notation if it wasn’t for Catholic monks developing it so that they could pass on the faith through music. Put it on for three minutes and feel the presence of the Lord,” York suggested.
Gregorian chant has been used to pass down religion for centuries. Now with this new recording, Carly York could help it speak to a new generation.
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