Antiphonal is a term that is commonly used in music and liturgy. It refers to a type of singing or chanting that involves two or more groups of performers who alternate in a call-and-response pattern. This article will explore the definition and meaning of antiphonal, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Antiphonal is an adjective that describes something that is related to or characterized by antiphony. Antiphony is a musical technique that involves the alternation of two or more groups of performers who sing or chant in response to each other. This technique can be found in many different types of music, including religious music, folk music, and classical music.
Origin
The word antiphonal comes from the Greek word “antiphonon,” which means “sounding in opposition.” The term was first used in the context of Christian liturgy, where it referred to the alternating singing of psalms or other parts of the Mass by two choirs or groups of singers.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, antiphonal means “relating to or denoting a type of singing or chanting in which two or more groups of performers alternate in a call-and-response pattern.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “of, relating to, or consisting of antiphons or antiphony.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “relating to a type of singing in which two groups of singers or musicians sing or play different parts, one group starting after the other.”
Associations
Antiphonal is most commonly associated with religious music, particularly in the Christian tradition. It is often used in the singing of psalms, hymns, and other parts of the Mass. However, antiphonal singing can also be found in other types of music, such as African-American spirituals, Native American music, and traditional folk music.
Synonyms
Synonyms for antiphonal include responsive, call-and-response, and antiphonic.
Antonyms
Antonyms for antiphonal include monophonic, homophonic, and polyphonic.
The same root words
The root word of antiphonal is “antiphon,” which refers to a short chant or hymn that is sung or recited before or after a psalm or other part of the Mass.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word antiphonal:
- The choir performed an antiphonal rendition of the hymn, with one group singing the verses and the other group responding with the refrain.
- The Native American drummers played an antiphonal rhythm, with one group starting a beat and the other group echoing it.
- The composer used an antiphonal arrangement of the brass section to create a sense of depth and space in the orchestral piece.
- The congregation joined in the antiphonal singing of the psalm, with one side of the church responding to the other side.
- The African-American spiritual featured an antiphonal call-and-response between the lead singer and the choir.