GREGORIAN CHANT Definition & Meaning

Gregorian chant

noun

the plain song or cantus firmus used in the ritual of the Roman Catholic Church.
a melody in this style.

Gregorian chant

noun

another name for plainsong

Gregorian chant

The traditional music for Latin texts in the worship of the Roman Catholic Church . Gregorian chant is marked by performance in unison and by free-flowing rhythms that follow the phrasing of the text. The chants often call for one syllable to be sung across several notes.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of Gregorian chant¹

1745–55; named after Pope Gregory I; -ian

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many yearn for Masses that echo with medieval traditions – more Latin, more incense, more Gregorian chants.

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Many yearn for Masses that echo with medieval traditions – more Latin, more incense more Gregorian chants.

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When Martin O’Donnell was told that Halo’s theme should feel ancient, mysterious and epic, his mind quickly went to Gregorian chants.

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In preparing the concerto’s somber opening notes, he said, he imagines the “angel of death” or cloaked figures singing a Gregorian chant, following his teacher’s advice.

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High Mass on Sundays begins with holy water sprinkled up the aisle, and it features plumes of incense and the sounds of bells, a pipe organ and Gregorian chant.

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Gregorian calendar Gregorian mode

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