Chant Flashcards
Benedict of Nursia
Late and early 6th century (died in 540). Founded a monastery and created a set of rules and daily expectations for behavior, as well as daily routines.(See Offices/Canonical Hours.) He created the Offices as well.
Ligature
Clump of notes on one syllable.
Syllabic
One note per syllable
Neumatic
A few notes per syllable
Melismatic
Many notes per syllable
Direct
A way to perform chant, in which everyone sings the whole thing except the opening.
Antiphonal
A way to perform chant in which two groups alternate. (usually used for Psalms)
Responsorial
A way to perform chant in which a soloist is alternating with the full group.
Gregory the Great
(Died 604) Chant was named after Him because he promoted singing. He was a good leader and helped establish the centrality of the church in society after the fall of the Roman empire and during war, plague, and famine.
Mass
A feast centered around the Eucharist (Kryie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Proper
Item in the service with a text that changes depending on the day.
Ordinary
Item with the same texts every day.
Offices/Canonical Hours
8 Daily worship services in Beneictian Monastaries. (Vespers, sundown; Compline, before bed; Matins, middle of the night; lauds, daybreak; prime; terce; sext; nones)
Psalm Tone
A reciting formula for Psalms; there is a repeated note for every word with a flourish at the ends of phrases and verses.
Doxology
A type of Psalm tone, a short hymn of praise to God. Often at the end of a Psalm
