What Is Gregorian Chant?
Gregorian Chant is the ancient, monophonic liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church — a repertoire of sacred melodies in Latin that has been sung in Christian worship for well over a thousand years. Named after Pope Saint Gregory the Great (590–604), who is traditionally credited with organizing and codifying the chant tradition, Gregorian Chant is one of the great treasures of Western civilization.
Characteristics of the Chant
Unlike later Western music, Gregorian Chant has no fixed meter or regular beat. It flows freely, following the natural rhythm of the Latin text, rising and falling with the meaning of the words. Sung in unison without harmony or instrumental accompaniment, its texture is austere and contemplative — perfectly suited to the prayerful atmosphere of the sacred liturgy.
- Monophony: A single melodic line, sung in unison by all voices
- Modal scales: Based on ancient Greek modes rather than the modern major/minor system
- Free rhythm: Following the accent and meaning of the Latin text
- Sacred texts: Drawn from the Psalms, the Bible, and liturgical poetry
Chant at Saint Mary of Victories
The celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass and the multilingual Sunday Mass at Saint Mary of Victories provides a natural home for Gregorian Chant. The ancient melodies of the Roman Rite fill this historic church with a beauty that connects today’s worshippers to an unbroken chain of Christian prayer stretching back to the early centuries of the Church.
The Second Vatican Council declared in its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963) that Gregorian Chant “should be given pride of place in liturgical services.”
Resources for Learning
Those interested in learning more about Gregorian Chant will find a wealth of resources available online and in print. Schola groups, recordings, and introductory guides can help beginners discover this beautiful tradition of sung prayer.