Meaning of Terce in Music
Terce, in the context of music, refers to one of the canonical hours or prayer services of the Roman Catholic Church. The canonical hours are divided into several sections, including Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. Each of these sections has a specific structure and is associated with different times of the day.
Terce is typically observed at 9:00 a.m. It is one of the Little Hours, which also include Sext (noon) and None (3:00 p.m.) These hours have an identical structure, consisting of three psalms or portions of psalms, followed by a short reading from Scripture, a versicle, and a response.
The communal recitation of the canonical hours, including Terce, became more widespread during the Middle Ages. In some monastic communities, work would commence after Terce and continue until Nones. While the custom of Little Hours has evolved over the centuries, it is still followed in stricter monasteries and religious communities.
It's important to note that the term "terce" can also have other meanings in different contexts, such as the third tone of a musical scale or a specific type of chord progression known as the Picardy third. However, in the context of the question, the meaning of terce as a canonical hour in the Roman Catholic Church is being addressed.
The fourth service of the Divine Office, usually performed at 9:00 a.m. The service consists of several responsories and psalms which are sung.
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