What is a Troparion?
What is a Troparion?

Summary/Abstract: This essay is designed to trace the origins and development of the Byzantine troparion (monostrophic or single – versed hymn) from its beginnings as a congregational response to and poetic expansion of a Biblical text or texts (especially the psalms) to the functional chants found in the liturgical services. What can be observed is the gradual stripping of the troparion from its Scriptural associations and its subsequent evolution into an independent poem set to music. In their later forms, troparia are governed by liturgical requirements: they cover liturgical actions and gestures and add solemnity to festal services. In this latter manifestation, the musical responsibility for chanting troparia is taken from the faithful and assumed by professional cantors.

• Details
• Contents