plainchant Definition
- 1a type of medieval church music sung in unison without instrumental accompaniment
- 2a monophonic song with a single melody line sung in unison by a choir in free rhythm and a restricted scale
Using plainchant: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "plainchant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The monks sang plainchant during the service.
Example
Plainchant is characterized by its simple melody and lack of harmony.
Example
The choir performed a beautiful rendition of plainchant at the cathedral.
plainchant Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for plainchant
- plainsong
- Gregorian chant
- cantus planus
Phrases with plainchant
a form of plainchant named after Pope Gregory I, who is traditionally credited with having ordered its composition
Example
The choir sang Gregorian plainchant during the Easter service.
a form of plainchant named after Saint Ambrose, who is traditionally credited with having composed it
Example
The choir performed Ambrosian plainchant during the Christmas service.
a form of plainchant used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, characterized by its use of microtones and complex melodic ornamentation
Example
The Byzantine plainchant is known for its intricate melodies and harmonies.
Origins of plainchant
from Old French 'plain' meaning 'clear' and 'chant' meaning 'song'
Summary: plainchant in Brief
Plainchant [pleyn-chant] is a type of medieval church music sung in unison without instrumental accompaniment. It is characterized by its simple melody and lack of harmony, and is typically sung by a choir in free rhythm and a restricted scale. Plainchant includes forms like Gregorian plainchant, Ambrosian plainchant, and Byzantine plainchant, each with unique characteristics.
