Gregorian Modality and Psalm Tones

Starting from the modal system employed in chant, this workshop will discuss the Psalm tones used to sing the Divine Office in the Roman rite. Participants will learn to understand the modal system in analyzing chants and then utilize the modes to become accustomed to the mode of a piece (with a special focus on the antiphons of the Divine Office which frame the Psalmody). Building upon this modal foundation, participants will learn to chant the Psalms in Latin according to the Psalm tones of the Roman office. Additionally, the presentation will touch upon issues encountered when using the Psalm tones with English texts, as well as variants in the tones found within the various uses of the Roman rite.

A Boston Byzantine Music Festival Lecture workshop. The Boston Byzantine Music Festival is a program of the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture.

This workshop is for Hellenic College Holy Cross students only. The workshop will take place live on Zoom. Registration is closed.