It seemed like an impossible mission. It ended with a long and heartfelt applause from an audience of two hundred people who flocked to the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York to listen to the Canti Beneventani which recall the Gregorians, but which are older than these and which can be defined as the from which the entire discipline developed.
Fifty minutes of suspension from reality with choirs and narrative voice explaining the stages of a path that leads humanity to question itself on the sacred aspect of one’s life aimed at the salvation of the soul. In the frenetic city that by definition never sleeps it was a daring bet and it was won with both hands thanks to the intuition, perhaps obstinacy, of those who wanted it.
Promoting the initiative is the Conservatory of the Papal city of Benevento, which has discovered that it has an artistic and cultural heritage unique in the world, buried by the Vatican’s decision – many centuries ago – to favor the Ambrosian, Milanese version, which in fact had great success and seemed to be the only custodian of the ancient a cappella singing virtue: only voices, no instruments.
Searching, digging, travelling, it was understood that the hidden tradition wanted to come to light at all costs. And that the traces that document its existence, consistency and value are much more numerous than previously believed. When you know what to look for, even the faintest signs become evident and unexpected connections are created between scholars who don’t even know each other.
It thus turns out that in America there are two university chairs that incredibly deal with the subject while in Italy, where everything originates, even the existence of such an ancient and original phenomenon was ignored: in-depth and dissected with experts from the two worlds in a seminar held at the Italian Cultural Institute on the eve of a performance that stunned everyone.
It then happens that the young and enterprising parish priest of the two cathedrals of San Patrick – sent to the Big Apple by Pope Francis himself to revitalize the local Catholic community – sensing the value of the proposal, wanted to offer the Sunday faithful proof of the innovation brought by the twelve Samnite singers by having them perform in church during a particularly crowded mass.
Even the meeting with the young gospel scholars from Adelphi University on Long Island turns into a unique experience, with the groups from the two universities alternating on stage, each showing the other the result of their ingenuity and related commitment under the guidance of directors who follow their personal and professional growth with motivated pride.
Last but not least, we must highlight the courage of the leaders, president and director of the musical institution, who decided to leave their comfort zone to play a very difficult game and managed to obtain the trust of the competent ministry – which is not obvious – and playing their match overseas as the first stage of a journey that promises to be bright.
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What specific challenges did Dr. Rossi and the Conservatory face when first attempting to bring the Canti Beneventani to wider attention, and how did they overcome them?
## The Resurgence of the Canti Beneventani: An Interview
**Introduction:** Tonight, we delve into the fascinating world of the Canti Beneventani, ancient Gregorian chants predating even the famed Gregorian tradition. Join us as we speak with two experts: Dr. Maria Rossi, Director of the Conservatory of Benevento, and Professor John Smith, a leading American scholar of early liturgical music from Adelphi University.
**Part 1: Unearthing a Hidden Treasure**
* **For Dr. Rossi, the Canti Beneventani were a hidden treasure rediscovered by the Conservatory. Can you elaborate on how this discovery unfolded and what initial challenges you faced?**
* **Professor Smith, what drew your interest to the Canti Beneventani? How did you come to realize their importance within the broader history of music?**
* **The article mentions the Vatican’s decision to favor the Ambrosian tradition. What factors might have led to this preference, and what impact did it have on the preservation and understanding of the Canti Beneventani? Do you believe this preference was intentional or simply a consequence of historical circumstances?**
**Part 2: A Global Dialogue & Cross-Cultural Exchange**
* **Dr. Rossi, you mention the crucial role played by the two university chairs dedicated to the study of the Canti Beneventani in America. How did this international collaboration come about, and what are the benefits of such transnational exchanges in the field of music history?**
* **Professor Smith, what has been the reaction within the American academic community to the rediscovery of the Canti Beneventani? How has this rediscovery impacted our understanding of early Christian music in the West?**
* **The article highlights a unique encounter between the Canti Beneventani singers and American gospel scholars. How did this encounter come about, and what were some of the key takeaways from that shared experience?**
**Part 3: Looking Towards the Future**
* **Both of you have played crucial roles in bringing the Canti Beneventani to a wider audience. What are your future aspirations for this musical tradition? What steps need to be taken to ensure its continued preservation and appreciation?**
* **Dr. Rossi, the article mentions the Conservatory’s courage in taking this project overseas. How important is it to share this unique cultural heritage with a global audience? What are some of the challenges and rewards of this international outreach?**
* **Professor Smith, what are your hopes and expectations for the Canti Beneventani in the years to come? How do you see this tradition evolving within the context of contemporary music and scholarship?**
**Conclusion:**
The rediscovery of the Canti Beneventani is a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. We thank Dr. Rossi and Professor Smith for providing us with valuable insights into this fascinating musical journey. We encourage our readers to learn more about this unique tradition and support the efforts to preserve it for future generations.
