I have had the pleasure of recently viewing a DVD which is of unique interest and value to those interested in chant, traditional liturgy and the original figures attached to the usus antiquior movement. It is unique for a variety of reasons. First, because it is a Requiem Mass done within the walls of the famed traditional Benedictine Abbey of Le Barroux, France. Second, because the Requiem is for none other than Dom Gérard Calvet, the former abbot of this monastery, and a man of great reknown in relation to sacred liturgy in its traditional forms and a man of deep spirituality in whom Christ shone.
The DVD is titled Obseques de Dom Gerard and brings to light an intimate picture of a somber and historic event, done to the timeless and haunting strains of the Gregorian requiem chants. It is perhaps no exaggeration to say that the Gregorian requiem is the requiem par excellence and so for those wishing to both commemorate a great man and an important aspect of our liturgical tradition, this DVD is of definite interest on both fronts. Needless to say as well, the chant of these Benedictine monks is sublime, and it is evident that these chants form a part of their day to day liturgical life.
From the DVD:
The prayers at the foot of the altar.
The singing of the propers.
Dom Louis Marie, successor of Dom Gerard, before the body of his predecessor
Dom Hervé Courau, Abbot of Notre-Dame de Triors
Msgr. Camille Perl, Secretary of the Ecclesia Dei Commission
As the DVD is produced in France, there will be some concern over its format in relation to North American buyers. Evidently, one can give no guarantees, but suffice it to say that any DVD player in a standard computer will play this DVD, and most newer DVD players seem to likewise have no trouble playing the DVD.
For those interested in ordering this DVD, please go to the webstore of the Abbey of Le Barroux.
The DVD is reasonably priced at 12 EUROS (approximately $20 USD).
It is indeed a treasure to keep in your library, to represent not only the riches of the liturgy in the intimacy of the monastic enclosure, but to commemorate a great Abbot and man of Faith.
