Gregorian chant is a form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song in Western Christianity, developed in medieval Europe. It can be sung by soloists or by a choir. Gregorian chant is named after Pope Gregory I, who is traditionally credited with its codification in the 6th century.
Gregorian chant is characterized by its use of a limited range of pitches, called the hexachord, and by its use of melisma, the singing of multiple notes on a single syllable. The melodies of Gregorian chants are often based on psalm tones, which are simple melodic formulas used to recite the psalms.
Gregorian chant is used in the Roman Catholic Church for the celebration of Mass and other liturgical ceremonies. It is also used in some other Christian denominations, such as the Anglican Church and the Lutheran Church.
Gregorian chant is considered to be one of the most important and influential forms of music in Western history. It has been praised for its beauty, its spirituality, and its ability to create a sense of community and unity among those who sing it.