Stanford’s William Mahrt, the champion of chant, dies today at 85

The otherworldly effect of the music is hard to describe, but Mahrt gave it a try: “It is what we call monophonic – that is to say, it’s a melody that’s unaccompanied,” he said. “A free rhythm has an ability to evoke eternal things, more than passages tied do…
Quintin McDermott V · 3 days ago · 3 minutes read

Echoes of the Ancients: Gregorian Chant

Unveiling the Hidden Treasure

For two millennia, Gregorian chant has permeated the very fabric of Western civilization. Its ethereal melodies resonate in the pages of Dante's Inferno and the harmonies of Mozart's Requiem.

But despite its profound history, Gregorian chant faced obscurity for nearly four decades. That is, until the arrival of a visionary scholar, William Mahrt.

The Maestro of Chant

Born into a humble farming community in Washington, William Mahrt discovered the power of Gregorian chant at the University of Washington. Despite the stigma of the time, he dedicated his life to preserving its legacy.

"I said, this is what I've been missing. This is what I've been waiting for." - William Mahrt

In 1963, he joined the St. Ann Choir at Stanford University, which he would lead for the next four decades. Against the tide of popular opinion, Mahrt tirelessly promoted Gregorian chant, fostering a thriving community of musicians and scholars.

Stanford doctoral student Kerry McCarthy, now a leading authority on Renaissance composer William Byrd, credits Mahrt's mentorship as transformative.

"Not just in the classroom, but in performance. Especially in performance." - Kerry McCarthy

Amidst a musical landscape dominated by pop and commercial interests, Mahrt recognized the unique attributes of Gregorian chant. Its simplicity and profound spirituality set it apart, offering a sanctuary of solace amidst the noise.

"Chant arises out of silence, and it goes back to silence, as a way of returning to that interiority." - William Mahrt

A Revival in Retrospect

In recent years, Gregorian chant has experienced a resurgence, propelled by a younger generation seeking authenticity and meaning. Its popularity soared, with albums like Canto Gregoriano topping classical music charts.

However, Mahrt cautioned against the commotion. The true essence of chant lay in its ability to foster silence and provide a path to inner peace.

Remarkably, Mahrt's legacy lives on. He established chant groups across the country and countless students carry the torch, spreading its transformative power far and wide.

In the words of jazz scholar Ted Gioia, "He was a beatific soul who encouraged my jazz teaching at Stanford... He was beloved by those who knew him."

Epilogue

William Mahrt's unwavering dedication to Gregorian chant left an immeasurable mark on the musical world and beyond. His passion inspired generations and ensured that the ancient melodies of our ancestors would continue to resonate for centuries to come.

"Bill's unprecedented accomplishments as both a scholar and the leader of the St. Ann's Choir are well-documented. What I feel compelled to add... is what an entirely sweet human being he was." - David A. Lawrence

Rest in peace, Maestro Mahrt. Your legacy will forever serve as a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit of those who preserve it.