antiphons Definition
a short sentence sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle.
Using antiphons: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antiphons" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The choir sang the antiphons during the service.
Example
The antiphons are an important part of the liturgy.
Example
The antiphons for today's service are from Psalm 23.
Phrases with antiphons
a set of antiphons used in the week before Christmas in Western Christian traditions
Example
The Great O Antiphons are also known as the 'O' antiphons, and are used in the week leading up to Christmas.
a style of singing in which two or more groups of voices alternate with one another
Example
The choir performed the hymn using antiphonal singing, with one group of singers responding to the other.
a style of singing in which a soloist or group of singers alternates with the choir or congregation
Example
The responsorial singing during the Mass involved the congregation responding to the cantor.
Origins of antiphons
from Late Latin 'antiphona', from Greek 'antiphōna', meaning 'sounding against
Summary: antiphons in Brief
'Antiphons' [ˈæntɪfənz] are short sentences sung or recited before or after a psalm or canticle. They are an important part of liturgical music and can be found in various religious traditions. Examples include the Great O Antiphons, a set of antiphons used in the week before Christmas, and antiphonal singing, where two or more groups of voices alternate with one another.
