French Liturgical Choir II

(1 Credit Hour) · Undergraduate

This one-credit course is dedicated to cultivating a rich appreciation of liturgical music and of the Holy Mass in the French and global francophone tradition. It will include two tracks. For students who have not already taken ROFR 33501 "Les Chants de Messe," the course is an introduction to the range of the French sacred music tradition. You will develop great confidence in your ability to read, recite, and sing in French and make time to refine your pronunciation and intonation in ways few other classes can afford. For students who have already taken "Les Chants de Messe" in a previous semester, the course will be dedicated to taking on greater leadership and responsibility towards the cultural treasure of French liturgical music. In consultation with the professor, students will propose and execute a capstone project. It may range from conducting the choir for one or more of the semesterly masses in the Basilica to composing and performing/recording an original work of French sacred music. Students enrolled in the course are not required to attend the four French masses of the semester to get full credit for participation.