ANTHEM

ANTHEM, Antiphona, a Church-Song, performed in Cathedral, and other Service, by the Choristers, divided for that purpose into two Choruses, who sing alternately. See SONG, CHOIR, etc. The Word was originally used both for Psalms, and Hymns, when thus performed.
See PSALM and HYMN.

Socrates represents St. Ignatius as the Author of this way of singing among the Greeks; and St. Ambrose among the Latins. Theodoret attributes it to Diodorus and Flavian. Amalarius Fortunatus has written expressly of the Order of Anthems, de Antiphonarum Ordine.



At present the Term is used in a somewhat narrower Sense; being applied to certain Passages taken out of the Psalms, etc., and accommodated to the particular Solemnity in hand.

ANTHEM