The imperial cathedral of the Salians
at Speyer is destined for the sacred music of the Middle Ages, in
particular the Gregorian Chant. This is based not only on its
ranking in the history of art and culture (foundation 1030) but above
all on its special acoustics.
Since 1995 the Schola Cantorum Saliensis ("Singing School of the
Salians") has made the presentation and integration of the Gregorian
Chant into the lithurgic context its task.
The heart of the Schola Cantorum Saliensis consists of eight members:
We
mourn the death of Diethard Keller. |
Completely unexpectedly, our
founding member Diethard Keller passed away at the
beginning of February 2023. He was very much regarded by
all members of the Schola not only as a reliable and
always ready singer, but also as a unique man with his
emotional and social competence, coupled with his
distinctive sense of humor. |
Dear Diethard, we will
miss you. |
Several members
have absolved studies in sacred music, musical science or theology, and
a basic knowledge of the Gregorian semiology according to the school of
Eugene Cardine. Thus the Schola Cantorum Saliensis has set itself the
goal of a historically adequate interpretation of the Gregorian Chant.
Since the Speyer cathedral is a Marian church, Middle Age Marian vocal
works beyond the Gregorian Chant are a further focal point of the
Schola Cantorum Saliensis: the chants of
Hildegard von Bingen
(1098 - 1179), the
Ecole de Notre Dame (Paris, from the 12th
century on), and the
Cantigas de Santa María (Spain, 13th
century) up to the
Cantus planus (into the 18th century)
encompass the span of the music. To enhance typical characteristics of
this music - e.g. antiphony and early polyphony - the Schola Cantorum
Saliensis cooperates on special occasions with the women's ensemble
Musica InSpira.
A number of vocal pieces dated later than the Gregorian times may very
well be accompanied by bourdon tones. For this purpose the Schola
Cantorum Saliensis uses since 2005 on special occasions a
wheel fiddle, built by
Helmut Seibert. (
Details
to the instrument)
The Schola Cantorum Saliensis predominantly performs in the Speyer
cathedral, however will also take on engagements out of town now and
then.