Church Mode (Noun)
Meaning
Any of a system of modes used in Gregorian chants up until 1600; derived historically from the Greek mode.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The cantata began in the Dorian church mode to evoke a sense of solemnity.
- Medieval composers relied heavily on the Lydian church mode to create complex harmonies.
- The mass setting was written in the Phrygian church mode to reflect the somber mood of the text.
- The hymn's melody is based on the Mixolydian church mode, which was typical of Gregorian chants.
- By the 17th century, the use of the four main church modes had begun to decline in favor of the major and minor key system.