They not only single-handedly unearthed all the old chant manuscripts, they developed the modern Gregorian notation. I have read standard staff notation all my life, got into shape note (Sacred Harp sol/fa notation) about a decade ago, but until we crossed the Tiber I couldn't read Solesmes notation. Now I can!
Some scholars fuss and say, well, they don't sing it like it was originally sung. But nobody's alive today who knows for sure (unless he's very, very old - like 1,000 years or so.)
I can’t sight-read Solesmes notation, but when my schola’s director starts-off a particular chant, I can follow along afterwards. I’m the same way when singing from regular musical notation. I can only sight-read when playing the piano.
Sounds like an oxymoron. Usually one speaks of modern musical notation or Gregorian/neumes notation.
Can I convince them to sequester my parish musical director for a year or so and get him properly oriented?
On the Night of Nights as we were singing the Gloria to a rumpety-tumpety melody that sounded like it was lifted from Sesame Street, I thought, "The man is a good musician but his taste in melody is completely inappropriate."