Liturgical monody as a subject of musicological research - an athempt at synthesis

Abstract

Until the Second Vatican Council, Gregorian chant was the only type of sacred song classified as the liturgical monody. Currently, the liturgical monody covers various genres of music, from Gregorian chants to contemporary compositions contained in manifold liturgical books. Preserved manuscripts provide a source of knowledge about the epoch, ways of worshipping God and the musical tradition prevailing at that time. A wide range of topics addressed by Polish musicologists include all genres and forms of the liturgical monody that constitute musical tradition of the Church. Studies of historical sources and analytical studies bear testimony to Poland’s substantial contribution to the musical culture of Europe.