Antiphon (Catholic Encyclopedia article)
Joseph Otten · 1913
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Description
Antiphon, Greek antiphonon, sounding against, alternate chant: an antiphon is one or more psalm verses or Scripture sentences. They are sung or recited before and after each psalm and the Magnificat at Matins and Vespers. The antiphon text holds the psalm's fundamental thought and viewpoint. It gives the key to the psalm's liturgical and mystical meaning for the feast. More widely, the name also covered the early Mass Introit, Offertory, and Communion.
Of the psalm itself, originally sung complete, only one verse and the doxology survive for any Introit, so the antiphon is now paramount. Antiphon melodies, especially before Vesper psalms, are generally simple, often syllabic, forming a prelude to the psalm tune. Vesper antiphons are almost universally sung to Gregorian melodies, while Mass antiphons have fed figured settings by polyphony masters and modern writers.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Joseph Otten |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 1913 |
| COLLECTION | REFERENCE |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 5 KB |
| LICENSE | PUBLIC_DOMAIN |
| RIGHTS | PUBLIC DOMAIN |
| SOURCE | New Advent — Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) |