Accompaniment
We do not know how hymns were performed in early Christian times. The first clear sign of instrumental accompaniment was the introduction of organs to the liturgy in the 10th century. At first they probably duplicated the chant in unison. Their evident purpose was to hold the singers together and in tune, and to provide continuity, since (when properly blown or powered) the organ does not tire or pause for breath, and can maintain an unchanging dynamic level. These functions are still the fundamental reason for the instrumental accompaniment of hymns, but organists and other musicians have often been tempted in the direction of musical elaboration. From time to time church authorities and...
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Cite this article
MLA style (see MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd Ed.)
. "Accompaniment."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press. Web. 6 Nov. 2024.<
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/a/accompaniment>.
Chicago style (see The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Ed.)
. "Accompaniment."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press, accessed November 6, 2024,
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/a/accompaniment.