Plainsong

Plainsong

Plainsong is the name given to a large collection of ancient tunes which have been part of Christian church services for centuries. Plainsong is engaged in a free rhythm, (as an essay would be spoken) as opposed to a metrical rhythm (such as poetry). Since plainsong is so old (approx. 500-600AD), the music is set not in major and minor scales, but in the old modes. Also, plainsong is sung with many voices in unison, without any harmony making the piece appear as if one voice were singing, with the power of a full choir. And properly it should have no instrumental accompaniment. [AW] {JO}