Gradual

Gradual, an antiphon, introduced into the service of the Mass in the 5th or 6th century, sung after the epistle, and so called either from the altar-steps (gradus), where it was formerly sung, or because it was sung while the minister ascended the steps of the Ambo (q.v.) where the gospel was read. From Septuagesima to Holy Saturday the 'alleluia' with which the gradual is followed is replaced by a mournful chant called the Tract. The words of the gradual are nearly always taken from the Psalms; and they are invariably sung to 'plain chant' melodies, the compositions under this title of Haydn, Mozart, and others being graduals in name only. These melodies are contained in the Gradual (Old Eng. Graile), a volume of ritual music intended chiefly for the choir, and containing all the plain chant melodies appointed for the service of mass throughout the year.