Chorale, liturgical chanting, mantra, Buddhist spiritual chanting, Muslim religious chanting, Vedic chanting... these are all terms that we hear, but which continue to be vague in our minds. Music and chants play an important role in history and in the world. Aeterna Funeral Complex explains the differences and particularities of sacred music.

Religious music

Like any other aspect of each religious denomination, there are various traditions of sacred music around the world. In Québec, we are more familiar with Christian music, but it is important to remain open to other musical traditions as well: Hindu music, Jewish music, Islamic music, Sikh music, Buddhist music, etc. Some of these styles are even heard more frequently than you think; you just have to know how to recognize them. Religious music is inspired by or uses texts that are considered sacred. In the Western world, it is more vocal, while in other parts of the world, sacred music is both vocal and instrumental.

Christian music

Throughout the centuries, Christian music has been part of the largest repertoire of religious music in the world. It is very present in the parish community as well as in popular culture. Although originally there were only a few hymns and psalms to nourish the faith, the Catholic Church quickly developed a vocal chant, which became Gregorian chant, and then slowly led to more popular and lively music such as gospel (who doesn't know Sister Act?).

When we think of church music, we immediately imagine a choir or a chorus. Composed of a group of singers in unison or several voices, the choir has a recognized liturgical function. Its mission is to help the faithful gather together, allowing anyone to follow suit, because the congregation that hears a group singing assumes that it can join in. The choir therefore provides an opportunity for a dialogue between the Church and its followers.

Music from around the world

Each region has its own musical landscape that allows for the praise of gods, important historical figures or the sharing of sacred writings or folklore. For example, according to Indian mythology, music has a divine origin. Never written down, it is an art that is transmitted from masters to disciples. Sacred music is also often linked to the place of worship, such as Jewish liturgical music made by Jews as part of the synagogue service.

Increasingly popular mantras
Used for ritual purposes in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, mantras are sacred formulas or invocations. The first mantras in Vedic Sanskrit can be found in the Rig Veda (a collection of sacred hymns). They are the oldest sung texts in India. Thanks to the vibration of sound, Vedic chants awaken the physical, psychic, emotional and spiritual zones of the body. They are powerful and life-changing, enabling us to connect with ourselves and the universe. They also promote inner peace and meditation.

In short, regardless of genre, sacred music brings comfort, wisdom and stability and is full of meaning and history. If we have sparked your curiosity or if you don't have an auditory cue, feel free to search for the terms
"Vedic chants", "mantra", "Muslim religious chants", "Gregorian chants", "Christian chants", etc., on YouTube; you will certainly make some wonderful discoveries!