psalmody
Chanting holy verses
Psalmody is the practice of singing psalms, especially in religious worship, or the psalms themselves as a body of sacred song.
The term covers both the act of chanting scripture and the musical arrangements used: Gregorian psalmody shaped medieval church music.
A psalmodist is one who composes or performs such music.
Organized group of singers
- polyphonySimultaneous independent melodic lines
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
cantata · chorale · anthem · oratorio · acapella · soprano · alto · tenor
Repetitive rhythmic phrase
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- hymnReligious song of praise
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- carolFestive seasonal song
tune · refrain · verse · chorus · intonation · cadence · mode · gregorian
Alternating liturgical song
- canticleScriptural text sung devotionally
- doxologyHymn of divine praise
- matinsLiturgical dawn devotions
- vespersEvening devotional service
compline · lauds · evensong · breviary · lectionary · introit · offertory · benediction
Devotional song compilation
- biblicalOf sacred texts
- verseMetered poetic passage
- hallelujahJoyful exclamation of gratitude
- amenSolemn spoken agreement
lament · thanksgiving · canticle · scripture · prophetic · penitential · acrostic
Address to deity
- meditationFocused attention practice
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- pietySincere religious devotion
spirituality · worship · adoration · veneration · praise · supplication · invocation · intercession
choir
Organized group of singers
- polyphonySimultaneous independent melodic lines
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
motet · cantata · chorale · anthem · oratorio · acapella · soprano · alto · tenor · bass
chant
Repetitive rhythmic phrase
carol · tune · refrain · verse · chorus · intonation · cadence · mode · gregorian · plainsong
antiphon
Alternating liturgical song
- canticleScriptural text sung devotionally
- doxologyHymn of divine praise
- matinsLiturgical dawn devotions
vespers · compline · lauds · evensong · breviary · lectionary · introit · offertory · benediction · magnificat
psalter
Devotional song compilation
- biblicalOf sacred texts
- verseMetered poetic passage
- hallelujahJoyful exclamation of gratitude
amen · lament · thanksgiving · canticle · scripture · prophetic · penitential · acrostic
prayer
Address to deity
- meditationFocused attention practice
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
piety · spirituality · worship · adoration · veneration · praise · supplication · invocation · intercession · devotion
psalmodyinstrumental music
Music without vocals
organ music · hymnody · plainsong · chanting
psalmodysecular music
Non-sacred musical works
popular music · dance music · drinking songs · bawdy songs · work songs
psalmodysilence
Total lack of sound
silent prayer · silent meditation · glossolalia · spoken prayer