gregorian chant

Medieval liturgical singing

Gregorian chant is the traditional liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church—unaccompanied vocal melodies sung in Latin during Mass and other services.

The style is monophonic, meaning all voices sing the same melody without harmony.

Named after Pope Gregory I, who is credited with organizing and codifying these sacred songs in the sixth century.

The monks sang Gregorian chant at vespers.

Related

sacred · sacred music · medieval · Latin · choral · antiphon · vespers · abbey · cathedral · vaulted ceiling · ecclesiastical · solemn · unison · modal · intone · hymn · psalm · requiem

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Opposites
musical texture

gregorian chantpolyphony

Simultaneous independent melodic lines

counterpoint · fugue · madrigal · four-part harmony · motet

musical era and style

gregorian chantelectronic dance music

Synthesizer-based club genre

techno · heavy metal · punk rock · death metal · dubstep

sacred vs. secular function

gregorian chantclub music

Electronic dance floor sounds

drinking song · party anthem · dance music · secular music · pop music

Family

gregorian, chant, chants, chanted, chanting, chanter, chanters, enchant, enchanted

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Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Rated G