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AMBROSIAN AND GREGORIAN CHANT. 301
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.