introit
Noun: 1. A short liturgical chant, hymn, or psalm sung at the beginning of a Christian church service, particularly in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions, as the clergy enter the sanctuary. It is part of the Proper of the Mass and varies according to the liturgical day or season.
The word "introit" is a formal, specific term used primarily in religious and liturgical contexts. It refers to the opening piece of music or chant in a worship service. - The introit sets the tone for the liturgical celebration. - The choir practiced the introit for Easter Sunday.
- The priest waited for the introit to conclude before beginning the opening prayer.
- The Gregorian chant served as a beautiful and solemn introit.
- According to the missal, the introit for today is taken from Psalm 95.
- Historical/Liturgical Use: In the Tridentine Mass, the introit is one of the variable parts known as the "Proper" and is typically followed by the Kyrie.
- Musical Form: In a broader musical analysis, an introit can be studied for its modal structure and its role within the larger liturgical musical form.
- Introit does not have common variant spellings or direct verb/noun forms. It is used exclusively as a noun.
- Related Liturgical Terms:
- Gradual: A chant or hymn following the Epistle reading.
- Offertory: The music sung during the presentation of the gifts.
- Communion: The chant sung during the distribution of the Eucharist.
- Opening hymn
- Entrance chant
- Ingress (a less common, more technical synonym in some liturgical contexts)
- Recessional (a hymn sung at the conclusion of a service as the clergy exit).
- Final blessing (the concluding rite of a service).
The term is highly specific and is not used in secular or general contexts. Its meaning is confined to the prescribed ritual music at the start of a Christian liturgical service. It is not synonymous with a general "opening song" in a non-liturgical setting.
- a composition of vocal music that is appropriate for opening church services