"'I do indeed, sir,' said Stephen, 'provided it be devoid of sweetness or brilliancy or striving for effect, and exactly phrased—no grace-notes, no passing-notes, no showing away.'
"'Exactly so,' cried Wray, 'and no new-fangledmelismata either. Angelic simplicity—that is the heart of the matter. And these worthy monks have the secret of it.'" --Patrick O'Brian, Treason's Harbour, 58-59
"'Do you take delight in plainchant, sir?'
"'I do indeed, sir,' said Stephen, 'provided it be devoid of sweetness or brilliancy or striving for effect, and exactly phrased—no grace-notes, no passing-notes, no showing away.'
"'Exactly so,' cried Wray, 'and no new-fangled melismata either. Angelic simplicity—that is the heart of the matter. And these worthy monks have the secret of it.'"
--Patrick O'Brian, Treason's Harbour, 58-59