What Was the Role of the Chorale in Christian Worship?

Question

I know that the congregational chorale was first introduced by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation. What I want to know is when the Catholic Church began allowing and/or encouraging the use of chorales as hymns for Masses? What were the rules about what types of music could be used?

Answer 1

The Catholic Church followed the example of Jewish tradition and the congregation was singing almost from the beginning.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians (5:19) states, "addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts."

See also Colossians 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 14:26.

Early Christian worship paralleled that of the local synagogues, the Christians borrowing their four elements including the readings, the chants (of the Psalms), the homilies, and the prayers.

With love in Christ.