Gregorian Chant

Listen to Gregorian Chant

The official music of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. It is also known as plainsong or plainchant. It is called plainsong because of it's plainness. Plainchant is in monophonic in texture and it contains one melodic line without fixed rhythm (no meter). It is called Gregorian because it is named after Pope Gregory (540-607) who was responsible for collecting and codifying the chant. Gregorian Chant was sung in major church services especially the during Mass. Other characteristics of chant are; a Latin text, modal scale, lack of clear phrase relationships, peaceful, through composed, contemplative, meditative, restful, and prayerful.