Part 3/7:
Sacred Vocal Music
The first part of this video series focuses on sacred music, which can be defined as religious vocal music integral to Catholic Church services. A prime example of sacred music from the Middle Ages is the Gregorian Chant, often regarded as the standard of plainchant. This genre, named after Pope Gregory the Great, emphasizes single melodic lines devoid of rhythmic structure, creating a serene yet immersive auditory experience.
Gregorian chant typically uses Latin texts derived from the Bible, designed for use during Mass. Its melodic patterns are relatively simple, employing stepwise motion with minimal leaps. Notably, melismatic text is present, where a single syllable of text is stretched over multiple musical notes, allowing for extended vocal expression.