Plainchant

Plainchant, also known as Gregorian chant, is a form of early medieval music characterized by its unaccompanied, monophonic style. It features a single melodic line without instrumental accompaniment, sung in Latin, and follows a free rhythm that emphasizes the natural flow of the text. Often associated with the Roman Catholic Church, plainchant was used in liturgical settings to enhance the spiritual experience of worship. Its serene and modal melodies aimed to evoke a contemplative atmosphere, making it a foundational aspect of Western music history and influencing subsequent musical developments.