antiphona Definition
a short liturgical text sung or chanted responsively before or after a psalm or canticle.
Using antiphona: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antiphona" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The choir sang the antiphona before the psalm.
Example
The antiphona is an important part of the liturgy.
Example
The antiphona is traditionally sung in Gregorian chant.
Phrases with antiphona
a series of antiphons used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent in various liturgical Christian traditions
Example
The Great O Antiphons are also known as the 'O Sapientia' antiphons.
a style of singing in which two or more groups of voices or instruments alternate with one another
Example
The antiphonal singing of the choir and congregation created a beautiful harmony.
a book containing the antiphons, responsories, and other chants for the canonical hours
Example
The antiphonary is an important resource for liturgical music.
Origins of antiphona
from Late Latin 'antiphona', from Greek 'antiphōna', meaning 'sounding against'
Summary: antiphona in Brief
'Antiphona' [an-tif-uh-nuh] is a noun that refers to a short liturgical text sung or chanted responsively before or after a psalm or canticle. It is an important part of the liturgy and is traditionally sung in Gregorian chant. Phrases like 'Great O Antiphons' and 'antiphonal singing' use 'antiphona' to denote specific styles of liturgical music.
