Der Gesang der römischen Kirche, II. Messe Sanctus Marcellus

The chant that reigned in Europe for 12 centuries!
When in the middle of the 8th century, on the initiative of Pepin the Short, the heathen Franks took up relations with the Papacy in Rome, they were so impressed by the Roman liturgy – the most exalted expression of the type of civilization they desired to promote – that they transmitted their enthusiasm to the whole of the Western world. It was thus that for twelve centuries the chant of the Church of Rome was to remain the standard liturgical practice. In this respect the Office of the Adoration of the Cross and the Mass of St Marcel represent two models of ‘Old Roman’ chant.