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Coptic music is themusic sung and played in theCoptic Orthodox Church and theCoptic Catholic Church. It has its roots inancient Egyptian music, withByzantine influence.[1] It consists mainly of chantedhymns in rhythm with instruments such ascymbals (hand and large size) and thetriangle. The percussion instruments used in the Coptic Church are unusual among Christian liturgies. Since similar instruments appear in ancient Egyptian frescoes and reliefs, some believe that they may represent a survival from a very old tradition. Coptic music is purely religious.
Coptic chant is a very old tradition with links toancient Egyptian music.[2][3] For instance, a hymn sung today onGood Friday in the Coptic Church has its roots in an ancient Egyptian melody that ancient Egyptian priests played during the burial of Egyptian kings.[4]
Coptic music has been transmitted orally over thousands of years, and only recently have manuscripts, musical notes and books been used to record the Coptic music.[5]
The most famous modern Coptic cantor is the lateCantor Mikhail Girgis El Batanouny, whose recordings have helped preserve and unify many ancientchants that otherwise would have been lost. They were recorded in Bohairic Pronunciation.