What key contribution did Pope Gregory the Great make to church music?

Pope Gregory the Great played a significant role in the development and organization of church music during his papacy. His key contribution was to codify church music, which involved standardizing the melodies and liturgy used in the church to create a unified practice across different regions. This codification helped establish what is now known as Gregorian chant—named after him—which became the central musical tradition of the medieval church. By standardizing these chants, Pope Gregory facilitated their use in worship and education, making it essential for the preservation and transmission of liturgical music throughout the ages. While he didn’t compose these chants himself, his efforts in structuring and collecting them were crucial in shaping the musical landscape of the church. His work allowed for a more coherent and unified expression of worship, reflecting the spiritual and aesthetic values of the time.