The International Society for Studies of Gregorian Chant (AISCGre) was founded in Rome in 1975; its main goal is the semiological orientation of Gregorian Chant as founded by Eugène Cardine. AISCGre focuses on research, teaching and praxis.

AISCGre has 550 members (individuals and institutions) in 28 countries. Everyday life happens in five geographic or linguistic sections. Collaboration among these sections finds various expressions, among others in the organisation of the International Congress of AISCGre.

GREGORIAN SEMIOLOGY

Gregorian semiology is the applied science which aims at disclosing the meaning of neumes for the interpretation of the Gregorian compositions. Semiology uses the insights of musical paleography; beyond the paleographic methods and scope semiology aims at questions of an esthetical and practical nature. It is using the oldest manuscripts as they offer the most diverse and nuanced information with regard to the rhythmical interpretation and the word-melody relationship in Gregorian chant.

Neumes are the handwritten signs which, from the 9th century, convey information on – first – the rhythmical and later the melodic arrangement of Gregorian chant. Gregorian semiology, among other things, proves that the Gregorian rhythm does not follow any metric criteria but rather is entirely word-generated and it shows the unique symbiosis of text and melody characterizing that repertoire.

AISCGre INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Prof. Johannes Berchmans Göschl, Honorary President

Prof. Alexander M. Schweitzer, president
Prof. Giovanni Conti, vice-president and chairman of the Italian section
Prof. Riccardo Zoia, treasurer
Prof. Inga Behrendt, member
Prof. Susi Ferfoglia, member
P. Matteo Ferraldeschi, member
Prof. Christoph Hönerlage, member
Prof. Franz Karl Praßl, member
Prof. Juan Carlos Asensio, chairmain of the Spanish section
Prof. Mariusz Białkowski, chairman of the Polish section
Prof. Jun Nishiwaki, chairman of the Japanese section
Prof. Stephan Zippe, chairman of the German-speaking section