Why are Gregorian Chants so important in Church and Western society?

Walter Fischer

Gregorian Chant has its roots in ancient Hebrew and Byzantium-era music, but adapted
those early forms into much more complicated and melodious arrangements.  Over hundreds of
years, the adaptation of Christian prayer to musical format evolved into what became known as
Gregorian Chant.  While documentation is nonexistent and interpretations differ, the genesis
of Gregorian Chant in its current form has been attributed to Pope Gregory I (590-604 AD), who
is said to have formally established this form of chant as a component of Christian €“ and later
primarily Catholic €“ prayer services. 

The importance of Gregorian Chant to
the Church and to Western society could be slightly exaggerated today.  In fact, outside of the
Catholic Church,...

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