First Millenium: Music of the Church

Question 1

Gregorian chant

Answer 1

repertory created by codification of liturgy and music under Roman leaders
- ecclesiastical chant used by Roman Catholic church

Question 2

Neumes (ca. 850)

Answer 2

“gestures” placed above words in the earliest notations; indicate gestures for each syllable (only reminds shape of melody)
- number of notes
- whether melody ascends, descends, or repeats pitch
- perhaps, rhythm

Question 3

Heighted or Diastematic neumes (10th and 11th century)

Answer 3

neumes were placed at varying heights above text; clearer pitch contour
diastematic: interval

Question 4

Chant: manners of performance

Answer 4

responsorial: soloist alternates with choir/congregation
antiphonal: two groups/halves of choir alternate
direct: without alternation

Question 5

Chant: styles of setting texts

Answer 5

syllabic: almost every syllable has a single note
neumatic: syllables carry one to six notes
melismatic: long melodic passages on a single syllable
*some chants mix styles

Question 6

Strophic

Answer 6

describes a hymn consisting of several stanzas all sung to the same melody
(vs through-composed)