Glossary of Gregorian Chant Terms

Antiphon: A short chant sung before and after a psalm or canticle. Antiphons help to frame the text and often highlight its main theme. In the Mass, the term is also used for chants such as the Introit and Communion. Many famous antiphons are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, including the Salve Regina and Alma Redemptoris Mater.

Breviary: The traditional book containing the texts and chants used for the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours). It includes psalms, hymns, readings, prayers, antiphons, and other material appointed for the daily cycle of prayer.

Canticle: A biblical song sung in the liturgy. Well-known examples include the Magnificat (Song of Mary), the Benedictus (Song of Zechariah), and the Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon).

Divine Office: The daily round of prayer offered by the Church throughout the day and night. In monasteries and cathedrals, the Office has traditionally been sung using Gregorian chant.

Introit: The opening chant of the Mass, sung as the clergy and ministers enter the church and approach the altar. It forms part of the Proper of the Mass and varies according to the day or feast.

Mode: One of the eight traditional musical modes used in Gregorian chant. Each mode has its own melodic character and contributes to the distinctive sound and atmosphere of the chant.

Neume: The basic symbol used in Gregorian chant notation. Neumes indicate the shape and movement of the melody and may represent anything from a single note to a small group of notes sung on one syllable.

Office Hymn: A hymn appointed for a particular Hour of the Divine Office. Office hymns are usually sung in a simple, syllabic style and often reflect the theme of the season or feast.

Proper: Those parts of the Mass whose texts change according to the liturgical day or season. The Proper chants include the Introit, Gradual, Alleluia, Offertory, and Communion.

Psalm Tone: A simple melodic formula used for singing psalms. Psalm tones allow long texts to be sung clearly and naturally while maintaining a consistent musical structure.

Responsory: A chant in which a soloist or cantor sings a verse and the choir or congregation responds. Responsories are especially important in the Divine Office.

Schola: A choir dedicated to singing Gregorian chant and other forms of sacred music. The term comes from the Latin schola cantorum, meaning “school of singers.”

Sequence: A chant sung on certain major feasts immediately before the Gospel, following the Alleluia. Famous examples include Victimae Paschali Laudes at Easter and Veni Sancte Spiritus at Pentecost.

The Hours of the Divine Office

Matins (or Vigils): Traditionally sung during the night or very early morning. Matins includes psalms, readings, and responsories and was often the longest Office of the day.

Lauds: The morning Office, celebrated at dawn. Its name comes from the psalms of praise that form a central part of the service.

Prime: The first daytime Office, traditionally sung around 6 a.m. It was suppressed in the Roman Rite following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Terce: The mid-morning Office, usually celebrated around 9 a.m.

Sext: The midday Office, sung around noon.

None: The mid-afternoon Office, traditionally celebrated around 3 p.m.

Vespers: The evening Office and one of the principal Hours of the day. Vespers often includes the singing of the Magnificat and has a rich musical tradition.

Compline: The final Office before retiring for the night. Compline is known for its reflective and peaceful character and often concludes with a Marian antiphon.