Antiphon

An **antiphon** (pronounced AN-ti-fon) is a short chant or sentence, often a verse from a psalm, sung or recited responsively by two halves of a choir or congregation, typically before and after a psalm or canticle. It functions as a musical framework, enhancing the liturgical experience and providing a meditative element. The antiphon's melody can vary widely, ranging from simple recitative to complex musical arrangements, and sets the mood for the passage that follows. It serves as a call to worship and a reflection point, focusing attention on the text.

Antiphon meaning with examples

• At the monastery's Vespers service, the monks chanted an antiphon based on Psalm 95, its solemn melody preparing the congregation for the reading of the scriptures. The choir alternated verses, their voices echoing through the ancient stone arches, creating a sense of peace and devotion.
• The priest announced a specific antiphon for communion, a gentle, flowing melody that underscored the themes of unity and spiritual nourishment. The choir sang it while the communicants received the Eucharist, their voices helping create an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.
• During the evening prayer, the choir would sing a new antiphon each week from a collection in the hymnbook, allowing the community to engage with fresh scriptural themes and melodies, deepening their understanding and experience of worship.
• In medieval times, an antiphon was often inscribed on illuminated manuscripts, adding visual beauty alongside musical notes. The use of these scripts helped to display the significance of the music to be sung throughout the service.