psalmody
Noun: 1. The act, practice, or art of singing psalms or hymns, especially in a liturgical context. It refers specifically to the musical performance of sacred songs, often as part of a religious service or ritual.
The word "psalmody" is a formal and specific term used primarily in religious, musical, and historical contexts. It describes the collective activity or tradition of singing sacred texts. - It is used as an uncountable noun (e.g., the psalmody of the monastery). - It often refers to a formal practice within Christian liturgy but can apply to the singing of sacred songs in other traditions.
- The evening service featured beautiful psalmody led by the choir.
- He studied the history of Gregorian chant and early Christian psalmody.
- The community's daily psalmody was a central part of their spiritual life.
- "Choral psalmody": Refers to psalm singing performed by a choir, often in a structured, polyphonic style.
- "Responsorial psalmody": A style where a soloist sings verses and a congregation or choir responds with a recurring refrain.
- Psalmodic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of psalmody. (e.g., )
- Psalter (n): A volume containing the Book of Psalms, often arranged for liturgical or musical use.
- Psalm (n): A sacred song or hymn, particularly those contained in the biblical Book of Psalms.
- Hymnody: The singing or composition of hymns (a closely related but broader term that can include non-psalm hymns).
- Sacred singing: A more general descriptive phrase.
- "To engage in psalmody": To participate in the singing of psalms.
- "The art of psalmody": Emphasizes the skill and tradition involved in this practice.
While "psalmody" specifically denotes the act of singing, it is inherently linked to the texts (the psalms) being sung. It is distinct from simply reading or reciting psalms, as it implies a musical performance.
- the act of singing psalms or hymns