Believe it or not, Gregorian Chant is considered part of the new age music genre. I found that odd at first, but considering the spirituality of the chant, it makes sense. It is a beautiful chant, that is very meditative and relaxing. Although I prefer Russian chant, Gregorian is a more traditional and well-known chant, and it has become very popular.

Gregorian Chant is named after Pope Gregory I who led the Catholic Church in the sixth century. There are approximately 3000 compositions. It evolved out of Hebrew Chant and became the Catholic Church’s largest contribution to music after the time of Pope Gregory. Although seldom heard in the 1960s and 70s, it has enjoyed a recent popularity within the church and within the new age music genre.

Chant is sung without any instrumental background. The voices themselves create the music and the mood. It has no meter whatsoever, but groups around two or three notes. Musical scales, as we commonly think of them, are not used, but modes are, which is a form of music theory that groups certain notes together for an effect.

Listen to some Gregorian Chant online before making any purchases. Some people love it. Others do not care for it at all. As I said, I prefer Russian chant, but I do enjoy listening to Gregorian from time to time. It has a very unearthly and deep spiritual sound that touches the soul in a very unique manner. It could easily be thought of as the music of the angels.

Gregorian Chant at Princeton

St. Michael’s Abbey

Antiphon — Morning Prayer

The Catholic Encyclopedia - Gregorian Chant

Wikipedia - Gregorian Chant

Gregorian Schola

Although the lyrics are not copyrighted, the recordings are, so if you do download some chant, it is for personal use only!