Music Sound

Chant is the rhythmic speaking or singing of words or sounds, either on a single pitch or with a simple melody involving a limited set of notes and often including a great deal of repetition or statis. Chant may be considered speech, music, or a heightened or stylised form of speech which some people may consider more effective in conveying emotion or expressing, or, getting in touch with, one's spiritual side. In the later Middle Ages, some chants were sung, evolving into our more modern hymns. Instruments were not allowed in the Christian church until much later in the Middle Ages because they were considered tools of the devil, compelling people to dance and sing.

Varieties of chant

Chants are used in a variety of settings from ritual to recreation. Supporters or players in sports contests may use them (see football chant). Warriors in ancient times would chant battle cries . Chants form part of many religious rituals. Some examples include chant in African and Native American tribal cultures, Gregorian chant, Vedic chant, Jewish Liturgical Music (chazzanut), Qur'an reading, various Buddhist chants, various mantras, and the chanting of psalms and prayers especially in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches (see Anglican Chant). They all also used on protests, and are widely adapted with only a few words changed between topic.

Tibetan Buddhist chant involves throat singing, where multiple pitches are produced by each performer. The concept of chanting mantras is of particular significance in many Hindu traditions and other closely related Dharmic Religions, for example the Hare Krishna movement is based almost exclusively around the chanting of Sanskrit Names of God.

Japanese Shigin (詩吟), or 'chanted poetry', mirrors Zen principles, and is sung from the gut - the locus of power in Zen Buddhism.

See Also

• Hymns

External links

• Gregorian Chant
• BBC Story on UN
• Guidance on Chanting
• A site about Vedic chants