Anthem (church music)

Anthem (church music), English-language choral composition with a nonliturgical religious text, one of the principal forms of Protestant church music. It developed in 16th-century England as an Anglican counterpart to the motet, sung in Latin during Roman Catholic services. A “full anthem” is for unaccompanied chorus throughout; an example is “Sing Joyfully,” by the English composer William Byrd. A “verse anthem” alternates soloist and choir and often has instrumental accompaniment; an example is “This Is the Record of John,” for tenor, chorus, and viols, by the English composer Orlando Gibbons. The term anthem sometimes refers to secular ceremonial hymns.