hymnology
Study of hymns
Hymnology is the study of hymns—their history, composition, and use in religious worship.
The term covers both scholarly analysis of hymn texts and tunes and the practical knowledge of hymn repertoire: She studied hymnology at the seminary.
A hymnologist might trace how a particular hymn evolved across denominations or centuries.
Pleasing sequence of notes
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- tuneMusical sequence of notes
- meterDevice that measures usage
- refrainAbstain from acting
verse · stanza · descant · counterpoint · plainchant · Gregorian · melisma · acapella
Hymn tune or choir
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- canticleScriptural text sung devotionally
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
- cantataVocal work with instruments
oratorio · antiphon · doxology · sequence · gradual · trope · creed · magnificat
Expression of approval
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
- adorationProfound loving regard
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
meditation · contemplation · prayer · supplication · thanksgiving · penitence · lament · celebration
Organized group of singers
- congregationAssembled group of worshippers
- precentorWorship song leader
- cantorLiturgical music leader
- organistPipe keyboard performer
choirmaster · singing · vocal · choral · unison · four-part · harmony · call-and-response
Quantity of matter
- vespersEvening devotional service
- matinsLiturgical dawn devotions
- communionProfound shared closeness
- benedictionFormal spoken blessing
litany · breviary · lectionary · introit · processional · postlude · offertory · recessional
English family name
- WesleyCommon English given name
- spiritualsEnslaved people's sacred songs
- psalmsReligious songs of praise
- carolsFestive religious songs
Fanny Crosby · gospel · Lutheran · Anglican · Methodist · Moravian · Byzantine · camp meeting
Scholarly study of compositions
- theologyStudy of the divine
- ethnomusicologyMusic studied culturally
- historiographyStudy of history-writing
- analysisMethodical study of parts
bibliography · hermeneutics · research · philology · taxonomy · cataloging · attribution · dating
melody
Pleasing sequence of notes
refrain · verse · stanza · descant · counterpoint · plainchant · Gregorian · melisma · acapella · polyphony
chorale
Hymn tune or choir
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- canticleScriptural text sung devotionally
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
cantata · oratorio · antiphon · doxology · sequence · gradual · trope · creed · magnificat · hosanna
praise
Expression of approval
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
- adorationProfound loving regard
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
devotion · meditation · contemplation · prayer · supplication · thanksgiving · penitence · lament · celebration · exaltation
choir
Organized group of singers
- congregationAssembled group of worshippers
- precentorWorship song leader
- cantorLiturgical music leader
organist · choirmaster · singing · vocal · choral · unison · four-part · harmony · call-and-response · singings
mass
Quantity of matter
benediction · litany · breviary · lectionary · introit · processional · postlude · offertory · recessional · intercession
Watts
English family name
- WesleyCommon English given name
- spiritualsEnslaved people's sacred songs
- psalmsReligious songs of praise
Fanny Crosby · carols · gospel · Lutheran · Anglican · Methodist · Moravian · Byzantine · camp meeting · revival
musicology
Scholarly study of compositions
- theologyStudy of the divine
- ethnomusicologyMusic studied culturally
- historiographyStudy of history-writing
analysis · bibliography · hermeneutics · research · philology · taxonomy · cataloging · attribution · dating · manuscript
hymnologysecular humanism
Nonreligious ethical philosophy
antitheism · irreligion · godlessness · profanity · blasphemy