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AMBROSIAN AND GREGORIAN CHANT. 301 |
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It will be seen that the semi-tones are immovable, and therefore occur in different positions in each mode, bv the change of the key-note; being respectively,—
It was this distinction which gave to each mode its peculiar character.
Not only did St. Ambrose reinstate these modes, but he composed many beautiful compositions in them. Many of the so-called Ambrosian chants and hymns, were not written by him, but after his manner; but some ten of the ancient hymns, including " Veni Bedemptor Gentium," " Eterna Christi munera" etc., are from his own pen.
The Cathedral of Milan still uses Aeterne rerum conditor; Deus Creator omnium; Veni Bedemp~ tor omnium; Splendor Paternce glorioz; Consors paterni luminis; and 0 Lux Beata Trinitas.*
Some of these are of rare beauty, and remain
* FetU, Hist. Oen de la Mus., v. 4, p. 135. |
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