Hi friends,

Today, an introductory post about Gregorian Chant, hope it will be useful.

So, what is Gregorian Chant? 

Many people relate to enjoy, admire it but few would dare to tell what it is, In fact, what a long time tradition has called "gregorian chant"is actually a richly varied repertory of musical-liturgical genres which had been mainly elaborated fron the IXth to the XIIIth centuries. 

This repertory was conceived to be daily sung at the Mass and the Office, regarding the Liturgical Seasons, the Proper of the saints, the Feasts and other different occasions. 

The prosody of the words-texts in Latin (I'd rather employ "words" instead of lyrics), taken from the Bible or inspired by it (in case of the Hymns, Sequences, etc...) is the essence of the rhythm: Latin and gregorian chant are essentialy identified.

Melodies were written according to a wide range of levels of complexity: from Psalmody recitation patterns to the complexity of, for example, the Graduals, to be performed mostly by a monastic schola cantorum and its soloists (in case a full monastic choir cannot perform it properly)

And what are its origins? 

Gregorian chant is a synthesis of the previously existing roman and galican musical and liturgical elements which were re-elaborated by roman and galican masters and monks in the course of the above mentioned period, an immense and intricated work of generations. 

The coronation of carolingian king Charlemagne by the Pope Leo III in 800 is at the origin of this work of unique excellence, as well its employement, teaching and writing all over nowadays Europe.

And why is has been called "gregorian"? 

The term "gregorian" was adopted as a consequence of letters exchanged by eclesiastical authorities who used to refer to the chant as "sung according to the way Pope Gregory I did it". In fact, Pope Gregory I (540-604) was the great reformer of the existing roman Schola Cantorum which had gathered the best singers in activity in the roman churches at the time, althiugh not had been inventor or writer of the "gregorian chant". 

Well, in a few lines, too much information. I'll be pleased to answer your possible questions.

Once again, be welcome