ANTHEM


Meaning of ANTHEM in English

n.

Choral composition with English words used in church services.

It developed in the mid-16th century as the Anglican version of the Catholic Latin motet . The full anthem is for unaccompanied chorus throughout; the verse anthem employs one or more soloists and, generally, instrumental accompaniment. Both types often employ antiphonal singing, the alternation of two half-choirs ( anthem derives from antiphon ). William Byrd , Thomas Tallis , Henry Purcell , and George Frideric Handel wrote well-known anthems.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.