Christian music

thumb|'s Man Singing Hymn (1884) A hymn is a type of song, and partially synonymous with devotional song, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek (hymnos), which means "a song of praise". A writer of hymns is known as a hymnist. The singing or composition of hymns is called hymnody. Collections of hymns are known as hymnals or hymn books. Hymns may or may not include instrumental accompaniment. Polyhymnia is the Greek goddess of hymns.

frame|A sample of Kyrie|Kýrie Eléison XI (Orbis Factor) from the Liber Usualis. Listen to it interpreted. A neume (; sometimes spelled neum) is the basic element of Western and some Eastern systems of musical notation prior to the invention of five-line staff notation.

music expressing Christian life and faith

musical concept

composition for orchestra by Joseph Haydn

piano work by Olivier Messiaen

hymns sung by Jehovah's Witnesses

The Polychronion (Greek: Πολυχρόνιον, "many years"; , ; ) is a solemn encomium chanted in the liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. In the Roman rite, it is the equivalent of the liturgical acclamation Ad multos annos.

musical composition

composition by Olivier Messiaen

musical notation for group singing

composition by Olivier Messiaen

no. 39 from George Frideric Handel's Messiah

song