Is the Georgian Chant Tradition Continuous? A Neume-Based Assessment
Is the Georgian Chant Tradition Continuous? A Neume-Based Assessment

Summary/Abstract: The texts of Georgian polyphonic chants (heirmoi), written down in the 19th century using the European notational system, can be found in medieval musical manuscripts as well. Is there any connection between these two sources with at least ten century-long time difference? The article reveals six heirmoi with their initial clauses having similar patterns of neume symbol arrangement and similar melodies in corresponding musical scores. This correlation points to the continuity of the Georgian chanting tradition. Based on the set of the variants of neume patterns for a particular melody, the melody identification criterion is elaborated. Generalization of the criterion will make it possible to conduct the exhaustive study of the whole musical and textual material and to prove the continuity of Georgian ecclesiastical musical tradition.

• Details
• Contents