Patterns & Metaphors
Chant
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Plainchant or plainsong, also called chant, is a melody that is unmeasured in rhythm like free-speech, and which is often monophonic or single-lined. Chant may be termed speech-song in some forms, and may also be polyphonic. In some religions, chanting is a means to altered states of consciousness as it may require special breathing techniques or postures. Gregorian is one of nine Christian chant types. The four Western types have mainly Old testament psalm texts. Among the three Eastern types, the Byzantine makes use of free poetry. The African types are the Coptic in which the singers must be blind and the Ethiopic which has the most ecstatic character. In Hinduism, in the Amerindian religions, and elsewhere, the chant is imbibed with magical power.
