1. Plainchant Platonic philosophy and its influence on Medieval aesthetics

2. Monophony “one + sound” a single voice texture (one note at a time).

3. Plainchant More commonly called “Gregorian Chant” and sometimes called “Plainsong;” plainchant is the sung, monophonic music used in worship by the Roman Catholic Church as well as other Christian denominations. Plainchant used to be sung exclusively in Latin and Greek, but is now sung in other languages, including English. Plainchant developed over many centuries (from Roman times to about 1300 A.D.) and still has an enormous influence on choral music and composers.

4. Pope Gregory the Great 14-year Papacy (590-604) 14-year Papacy (590-604) Reformed and standardized worship Reformed and standardized worship Clarified the roles of Deacons and Bishops Clarified the roles of Deacons and Bishops Spread the Church to England via St. Augustine Spread the Church to England via St. Augustine 14-year Papacy (590-604) 14-year Papacy (590-604) Reformed and standardized worship Reformed and standardized worship Clarified the roles of Deacons and Bishops Clarified the roles of Deacons and Bishops Spread the Church to England via St. Augustine Spread the Church to England via St. Augustine

5. Why “Gregorian” chant? Standardized chant melodiesStandardized chant melodies Began the arduous task of writing chants down for future generationsBegan the arduous task of writing chants down for future generations May have written some chant himself; we cannot be sureMay have written some chant himself; we cannot be sure

6. Salve Regina

7. The “Rules” of Chant Monophonic (Chant was single line)Monophonic (Chant was single line) Mostly stepwise - few skips or large intervalsMostly stepwise - few skips or large intervals Rhythm was based on syllable count and accents (no steady beat)Rhythm was based on syllable count and accents (no steady beat) Instruments were looked on as extensions of the voice or used to support or double the vocal line.Instruments were looked on as extensions of the voice or used to support or double the vocal line. About 8 different scales (called modes) were used in plainchant.About 8 different scales (called modes) were used in plainchant.

8. Musical Modes Modes are just scalesModes are just scales Our major and minor scales can be considered modesOur major and minor scales can be considered modes There are many different church modes (7). Each has a different feel or soundThere are many different church modes (7). Each has a different feel or sound Some folk and pop music is “modal,” just major and minor are much more commonSome folk and pop music is “modal,” just major and minor are much more common