definitions for each
a capella
Gregorian chant
medieval
Middle Ages
monophonic
plainchant
polyphonic
- A cappella: A style of music performed without any instrumental accompaniment, where all the parts are sung by voices.
- Gregorian chant: A form of plainchant, named after Pope Gregory I, which consists of unaccompanied vocal music that is monophonic and typically used in Roman Catholic liturgical services.
- Medieval: Relating to the Middle Ages, a historical period that spanned from the 5th century to the 15th century, characterized by cultural, economic, and political changes.
- Middle Ages: A historical period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the Renaissance, lasting from the 5th century to the 15th century.
- Monophonic: A musical texture where a single melodic line is performed without any accompanying harmonies or multiple voices.
- Plainchant: A type of vocal music with a single melodic line, primarily used in religious ceremonies, often attributed to the tradition of Gregorian chant.
- Polyphonic: A musical texture consisting of multiple independent voice parts, melodies, or lines that are performed together simultaneously.