Chant: Encyclopedia - Chant

Chant

Chant is the rhythmic speaking or singing of words or sounds, either on a single pitch or with a simple melody involving a limited set of notes and often including a great deal of repetition or statis. Chant may be considered speech, music, or a heightened form of speech which is more effective in conveying emotion or expressing ones spiritual side.

Chants are used in a variety of settings from ritual to recreation. Supporters or players in sports contests may use them (see football chant). Warriors in ancient times would chant battle cries. Chants form part of many religious rituals. Some examples include chant in African and Native American tribal cultures, Gregorian chant, Qur'an reading, various Buddhist chants, various mantras, and the chanting of psalms and prayers especially in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches.

Tibetan Buddhist chant involves throat singing, where multiple pitches are produced by each performer.

Japanese Shigin (詩吟), or 'chanted poetry', mirrors Zen principles, and is sung from the gut - the locus of power in Zen Buddhism.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Chant", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki