What is Antiphon (music)?
[[File:Liber_Responsorialis_1895_p054.jpg|thumb|The ''Liber responsorialis'', showing on the right-hand page the antiphons for the first [[Matins|night office]] of Christmas. The associated [[Psalm tone|psalm tones]] are indicated by number and ending pitch, and the pitches for the ending of the [[doxology]] are indicated by vowels: ''et in secula s'''e'''c'''u'''l'''o'''r'''u'''m '''a'''m'''e'''n''.]] In [[Christianity|Christian]] [[liturgy]], an '''antiphon''' is the name of a short section, between the [[Clergy|cleric]], and usually the crowd. These sections are either spoken (the priest asks something, and the crowd gives a predefined answer, also spoken), or they are sung. When they are sung, the often use simple melodies. Antiphons are very old: In the 4th century they were used in what is called [[Ambrosian chant]] today. In [[liturgy]], antiphons are not used on their own: the priest or person of the clergy says or chants these, while performing a [[ritual]]. In many pieces of [[church music]], the [[Choir (music)|choir]] (who replaces the crowd) starts singing as a response to an antiphon. In more modern forms of church music (such as [[Gospel music|Gospels]], but also [[traditional African music]]), there's a tradition of [[Call and response (music)|call and response]]. A lead singer calls something, and the choir responds. == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Musical forms]] [[Category:Christian worship and liturgy]] {{music-stub}}