Philosophy
This ancient practice is considered the oldest continuous musical tradition in Western civilization.
What is psalmody?
This biblical story illustrates music’s spiritual power as a calming and healing force.
What is David playing the harp for Saul?
This single melodic line defined early Christian chant.
What is monophonic chant?
These three early church figures had differing views on music’s role in worship.
Who are Ambrose, Pambo, and Augustine?
This reformer believed music should proclaim the Gospel and be sung by the people.
Who is Martin Luther?
Math and Music. Early Understanding of Intervals and Mathematical Ratios. This Greek philosopher’s theory of cosmic harmony influenced early Christian musical thought.
Who is Pythagoras?
These New Testament songs, such as the Magnificat, became key elements in Christian worship.
What are canticles?
These four final notes define the eight church modes and distinguish between authentic and plagal.
What are D, E, F, and G?
This 11th-century monk created staff notation and the Guidonian Hand.
Who is Guido of Arezzo?
This German hymn form was central to Lutheran worship.
What is a chorale?
These two Greek philosophers had differing views on music's moral influence—one emphasizing control, the other catharsis.
Who are Plato and Aristotle?
This canticle, sung by Mary in Luke 1, begins with “My soul magnifies the Lord” and expresses joy in God’s salvation.
What is the Magnificat?
This 9th-century treatise introduced early polyphony and a primitive notation system.
What is the Musica enchiriadis?
This French composer and theorist introduced rhythmic innovations and isorhythm.
Who is Philippe de Vitry?
These two Swiss reformers took contrasting approaches to music compared to Luther.
Who are Zwingli and Calvin?
This Greek concept linked musical modes with emotions, causing early Christians to be wary of secular music.
What is ethos?
This song of praise, found in Luke 1, is spoken by Zechariah and blesses the Lord for raising up a savior from the house of David.
What is the Benedictus?
These two composers were central to the Notre Dame School and advanced rhythmic and multi-voice polyphony.
Who are Léonin and Pérotin?
This 14th-century Mass was the first known complete polyphonic setting of the Ordinary by a single composer.
What is Machaut’s Messe de Nostre Dame?
This collection of metrical psalms formed the basis of Reformed worship music.
What is the Genevan Psalter?
This 4th-century church council restricted congregational singing, shaping the direction of early Christian liturgy.
What is the Council of Laodicea?
Found in Luke 2, this brief canticle is spoken by Simeon upon seeing the infant Jesus and includes the line “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”
What is the Nunc Dimittis?
This large-scale musical form unified all movements of the Mass Ordinary.
What is a cyclic Mass?
This cadence drops to the sixth before resolving to the tonic and is named after an Italian composer.
What is the Landini cadence?
This liturgical book, first published in 1549, standardized English worship and shaped musical settings for services.
What is the Book of Common Prayer?