Meaning of "Ordinary" in Music
In the context of music, the term "ordinary" refers to a specific part of the Catholic Mass, which is a central liturgical service in the Roman Catholic Church. The Ordinary of the Mass consists of texts that remain the same for each Mass, regardless of the liturgical season or feast day. These texts include the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. The Ordinary is distinct from the Proper, which consists of texts that vary depending on the specific day or occasion.
The musical settings of the Ordinary have a long history, with the earliest versions being Gregorian chants. Over time, composers began writing polyphonic versions of the Ordinary sections, adding complexity and richness to the music. The polyphonic settings of the Ordinary allowed for greater musical expression and creativity within the framework of the Mass.
It's important to note that the term "ordinary" in music can have other meanings as well, depending on the context. For example, it can refer to music that is not extraordinary or special, but rather typical or usual. It can also be used to describe music that is simple and accessible to a wide audience, such as folk music. However, in the specific context of the Catholic Mass, the term "ordinary" refers to the fixed texts of the Mass that remain the same for each celebration.
Chants and prayers from the Mass and other services that remain the same from day to day throughout the Church year. The Ordinary is opposed to the Proper, which consists of those chants and prayers that vary from day to day according to the particular liturgical occasion.
Typical Ordinary Mass Typical Proper Mass Introit Kyrie eleison Kyrie eleison Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo Gradual Alleluia Sequence Credo Credo Offertory Sanctus Sanctus Benedictus Benedictus Agnus Dei Agnus Dei Communion Ite missa est Ite missa est
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [Latin] Proper
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