Gregorian chant is the central tradition of Western plainchant, a form of monophonic liturgical music within Western Christianity that accompanied the celebration of Mass and other ritual services.
named after Pope Gregory I, Bishop of Rome from 590 to 604, who is traditionally credited for having ordered the simplification and cataloging of music assigned to specific celebrations in the church calendar.

KS1/2 idea: a good example of unison singing by male voices (KS1) and consistent texture (KS2).

Tracks 9 and 10 from Charanga / Saydisc / Christine Richards project - 'Listen to this' for Key Stage 3. English sacred music of the late Middle Ages from Amon Ra album 'Worcester Fragments' performed by The Orlando Consort (1'32") (1'37") Main features: early church music, ostinato, drone. These two extracts are sung by unaccompanied male voices. The Track Explorer has four learning tracks focusing on the titles of the extracts, vocal texture, description of texture and the lowest part.

Track 15 from Charanga / Saydisc / Christine Richards project - 'Religions of the World' (0'59") Music from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom from the Greek Orthodox Church. This piece is a litany and features the singing of a priest and choir. The Track Explorer has one learning track focusing on the male voices.

Track 9 from Charanga / Saydisc / Christine Richards project - 'Religions of the World' (1''36") Latin Plainchant sung by the monks of Prinknash Abbey. This is a hymn in plainsong style, dating back to the tenth century. The Track Explorer has two learning tracks focusing on structure and the unaccompanied male voices.