Plainsong: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
plainsong
[ หpleษชnหsษล ]
musical form
Plainsong, also known as plainchant, is a form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song of the Roman Catholic Church. It is one of the earliest types of Western liturgical music and is characterized by its free rhythm and modal melodies. Plainsong was used as the primary form of worship music during the medieval period, particularly in the context of the Mass and the Divine Office. This style of music emphasizes the lyrical quality of the texts, typically in Latin, setting prayers and hymns to music without instrumental accompaniment.
Synonyms
Gregorian chant, chant, plainchant
Examples of usage
- The choir sang plainsong during the evening service.
- She studied the manuscript of an ancient plainsong.
- Plainsong has a soothing quality that enhances meditation.
- He composed a new plainsong for the liturgical season.
Translations
Translations of the word "plainsong" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cantochรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคพเคฆเคเฅเคชเฅเคฐเฅเคฃ เคเฅเคค
๐ฉ๐ช Plainsong
๐ฎ๐ฉ lagu sederhana
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพััะธะน ัะฟัะฒ
๐ต๐ฑ ลpiew plainowy
๐ฏ๐ต ๅนณๆญ
๐ซ๐ท plain-chant
๐ช๐ธ canto llano
๐น๐ท sade ลarkฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ ์ธ์ก
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃุบููุฉ ุจุณูุทุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ plainsong
๐ธ๐ฐ plainsong
๐จ๐ณ ๅนณ่ฐๆญๆฒ
๐ธ๐ฎ plainsong
๐ฎ๐ธ plainsong
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะฐะน ำะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แขแแแ แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sadษ mahnฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ canto llano
Word origin
The term 'plainsong' originates from the Latin 'cantus planus', meaning 'flat song'. This name reflects the monophonic nature of the music, where a single melodic line is rendered without harmony or accompaniment. Plainsong was historically significant within the context of the Church; it played a crucial role in the development of Western music traditions. During the early Middle Ages, Plainsong was established as the official music of the liturgy. The most recognized form of plainsong is Gregorian chant, attributed to Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, although it was developed from earlier traditions of Christian chant. The widespread use of plainsong continued into the Renaissance, where it influenced many composers, paving the way for harmony and polyphony in later Western music. Today, plainsong has seen a revival in certain religious and scholarly contexts, appreciated for its historical importance and meditative qualities.