Methods of Chanting

Two methods have evolved for chanting the psalms and it is possible that both have their roots in ancient times. The first method is for one cantor or a small group to sing the psalm alone, while the rest of the congregation joins in periodically for a simple refrain; the second is for the congregation to be divided into two groups which alternate (verse by verse or section by section) in the singing of the entire psalm, with a refrain which is sung only before and after the whole psalm.

Antiphons

The refrains, or "antiphons" as they are called, are variable according to the occasion: thus the same psalm might be used with a short simple antiphon on an ordinary day, but with a longer more elaborate antiphon on a feast day.

Psalm Tones

The Psalms themselves are usually chanted to a very simple melody, typically on a monotone with a slight ornament at the beginning and the end of each line or verse. The melody or tone for the psalm is chosen to fit the mode of the particular antiphon being used: thus the same psalm might be sung to many different tones depending on which antiphon is being used that day.