Gregorian Chant and The Mass

Monophonic

One melodic line at a time. Everyone singing the same melody creates a unified musical texture.

Ordinary

One of the two parts of the Mass.Texts that recur in the Mass:Kyrie · Gloria · Credo · Sanctus · Agnus Dei

Proper

One of the two parts of the Mass.Texts that change according to the day, feast, or season: Introit Gradual · Alleluia/Tract · Offertory · Communion

Syllabic

One note per syllable. Clear and direct.

Neumatic

A few notes on one syllable.

Melismatic

Many notes on one syllable. The melody can expand dramatically.

Chant

One melodic line

Organum

Early polyphonic practices added another voice to a chant.

Vocal + Unaccompanied

Traditionally sung without instrumental accompanient in the Roman liturgy.

Latin + Sacred Text

the melodies are closely connected to liturgical texts: psalms, prayers, and biblical passages.

Gregory the Great

Tradition associates Pope Gregory I or Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540 - 604) with collecting, organizing, and promoting Roman chant.

1

mostly one melodic line

2

free or flexible rhythm, tied to the text

3

church modes instead of major/minor tonality

4

Latin words shape the melody

5

no beat-driven groove

Dorian

D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D

Phrygian

E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E

Lydian

F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F

Mixolydian

G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G

Mode

A different way of organizing pitch