Hymnody

Hymnody refers to the composition, collection, and performance of hymns—religious songs used in worship, praise, and liturgy. The word derives from Latin hymnus and Greek hymnos, and in English has come to denote the practice of singing congregationally. While most closely associated with Christian worship, hymnody or hymn-like song occurs in other religious traditions as well.

In Christian history, hymnody developed from biblical psalms and early Christian canticles into a structured practice. Early hymns and paraphrases appeared in the patristic era; the medieval period saw sequences and liturgical chants; reform movements from the 16th century onward promoted vernacular hymns and congregational singing. The works of Martin Luther, Philip Nicolai, and later Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley helped establish widespread English-language hymnody, with hymnals organizing texts by meter and theme and pairing them with tuneful melodies. In Catholic and Orthodox contexts, liturgical hymnography remains closely tied to fixed rites, with chant, troparia, and hymns linked to the church calendar.

Musically, hymnody commonly uses stanzas of verse sung to a consistent meter; tunes may be reused with different texts, and the chorus or refrain is sometimes present. The repertoire ranges from simple, melodically straightforward hymns to more elaborate polyphonic settings in some traditions. In modern times, hymnody has diversified to include contemporary worship songs, gospel hymns, and ecumenical hymnals, reflecting regional languages, cultures, and musical styles.