​

What is Gregorian chant?

Gregorian chant is the traditional music of the liturgy of the western Catholic Church. It developed over many centuries and takes its name from Pope Gregory the Great, with whom the tradition has long been associated.

Chant is sung in unison, without harmony. Its melodies are closely shaped by the words of the Latin liturgical texts.

​

Chant and the liturgy

Gregorian chant exists to serve the liturgy rather than to be sung in concert.

The rhythm and melody of chant grow out of the sacred text, allowing the words to be sung clearly and prayerfully. For this reason, chant has always been regarded as especially suited to the liturgy.

The Second Vatican Council saw Gregorian chant as having “pride of place” in the Roman liturgy, and it continues to be sung wherever the Church’s musical tradition is valued and maintained.

​

How chant is sung

Gregorian chant is sung:

• In a single melodic line (unison)

• Without regular metre or beat

• With great attention to the natural flow of the text

Rather than imposing a fixed rhythm, chant follows the accent and meaning of the words. This gives it a free, speech-like quality that supports both singing and prayer.

​

Chant notation

Gregorian chant uses its own form of notation, based on neumes, which indicate the shape and movement of the melody rather than exact pitches and rhythms as in modern staff notation.

While this notation can appear unfamiliar at first, it is designed to be practical and expressive. Many singers find that chant is learned most naturally through listening, repetition, and shared practice.

​

Singing chant in the Choir

The Ealing Abbey Lay Plainchant Choir sings chant as part of the Abbey’s liturgical life. Our focus is on:

• Singing clearly and together

• Respecting the text and its meaning

• Allowing the chant to support prayer rather than performance

We mostly sing the chants for Mass (Ordinary Form).

​

Learning chant

No previous knowledge of Gregorian chant is required to join the choir.

New members are introduced gradually to:

• Chant notation

• The structure of the liturgy

• The relationship between text, melody, and prayer

Because chant is sung in unison, many people find it less daunting than other forms of choral singing, even if they have little musical experience.

​

Why is chant sung today?

Gregorian chant continues to be sung because it offers something distinctive:

• A close union of text and music

• A sense of continuity with centuries of prayer

• A musical language that is contemplative 

For many singers and listeners, chant creates a space for stillness, attention, and reflection within the liturgy.

 

​