Singing: techniques Books

Book SynopsisWhether you're new to working with middle school choirs or seeking advice on improving your effectiveness, you'll appreciate the useful hands-on strategies in The First Weeks of Middle School Chorus. Implement Freer's specific, ready-to-use tips immediately in your rehearsals. He reminds you of things you've forgotten, prompts you to reframe what you already do, and encourages you to try new approaches. Organized in lists for easy reference, the book takes you through the first weeks of school and covers setting up your classroom, choral activities for day one and beyond, repertoire for the first weeks, warm-ups for changing voices, rehearsal strategies, placing students into groups and voice parts, and resources. Readers who find TIPS: The First Weeks of Middle School Chorus helpful may want to consult Freer's Getting Started with Middle School Chorus, Second Edition for more detailed information about the tips, strategies, and techniques found in this practical guide.Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Big Six Questions: Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How Chapter 2 Setting Up Your Classroom Chapter 3 Meeting and Greeting Your Students Chapter 4 Choral Activities on the First Day and Beyond Chapter 5 Repertoire for Any Choir's First Weeks Chapter 6 Basics of Warm-Ups for Changing Voices Chapter 7 Rehearsal Strategies Chapter 8 Placing Students into Groups and Voice Parts

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Book SynopsisDiction in Context is a unique and highly practical textbook for singers learning to sing in English, Italian, German, and French. Each chapter is designed for use in diction courses in academic music and voice programs, helping students learn through pronunciation, articulation, enunciation, punctuation, and cultural context in each language. Students and teachers of singing will benefit from the text’s pertinent biographical, historical and literary sources along with diction rules and textual examples of English, Italian, German and French song. For each language, there is a section on sentence structure and syntax intended to assist readers with poetic analysis and word-by-word translations. Representative song texts are provided for the purpose of comparative listening and phonetic transcription. Comparative listening reveals subtle differences in expression and diction. In addition, the texts are presented in a workbook format, allowing space for IPA dictation practice. Diction in Context provides singers with the tools needed to delve deeply into the poetry and music they sing, to pronounce text accurately and to feel confident in expressing it. By combining English, Italian, German, and French into one easy-to-use textbook, students will benefit from a comparative perspective of singing in each language. Key Features: • Repertoire lists are provided for each language and are designed to be used for class presentations and assessments • Discussion questions to challenge reader comprehension of key concepts and songs • Word-by-word translations to accompany foreign language texts • An end-of-book glossary featuring definitions of terms in the text as well as terminology encountered in related literature • Three practical appendices, including practice drills, quizzes, and assessment forms, and An Index of Works Cited featuring all poems and songs referenced in the book in one easily accessible list • Access to a PluralPlus companion website with PowerPoint lecture slides, lesson plans, exercises, electronic versions of the appendices and supplementary resourcesTable of ContentsIntroduction A Message to Students A Message to Teachers Acknowledgements Reviewers Chapter 1. Gathering the Tools Introduction Meaning Pronunciation Articulation Enunciation Punctuation Cultural Context The Anatomy of Diction The Mechanics of Diction Classification of Vowels Classification of Consonants Diction and Vocal Health The Rainbow Passage Interpretation: Where to Begin What Do Singers Sing About? Where Were Songs Sung and Why? Why Do We Sing as We Do? How is Love Expressed in English? What is the Italian View of Love? How do Germans Interpret the Concept of Love? Do the French Have Different Views of Love? Love and the Seasons Singer’s Diction: Poetry in Song Discussion Questions Orpheus and His Lyre Can Poetry Be Defined? What is Poetry? Who Writes Poetry, When, and Why? How Should Poetry Be Read? How Does a Singer Approach a Poem Set to Music? Why is Close Reading Important for Singing and Diction? Discussion Questions International Phonetic Alphabet: History and Use Rules of the Road Essential Vocabulary Additional Tools Terms from Greek Mythology and Roman Legend Literary Symbols Translations – Literal, “Singable,” and Poetic Rhythm Rhyme Symbols Expressivity of Vowels and Consonants Literal or “Word-by-Word” Translations Singable Translations Poetic Translations/Equivalent Conclusion References Chapter 2. English The Sounds of English Singing in English: Why is English Such a Challenge? Singing in English: How is Singing English different than Speaking English? The Sounds of English English Vowel Sounds: The Cornerstones of Singer’s Diction English Consonants Study Guide: English Consonant Sounds Practicing Vowel Sounds in English The Parts of Speech and Elements of Syntax in English Component Parts of English Sentences William Shakespeare: The Place to Start in English Early English Song Lute Songs and Their Lyrics Defined Discussion Questions Diction in Context: Comparative Listening Exercises English Ayres John Dowland (1563-1626) Philip Rosseter (1568-1623) Thomas Morley (1557-1602) Early Opera, Oratorio and Airs Henry Purcell (1659-1695) George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Thomas Arne (1710-1778) George Munro (1685-1731) English Diction First Presentation Repertoire Suggestions Duet Settings Poetry and Song in 19th and 20th Century England William Blake (1757-1823) Poet, Painter and Printmaker The Brownings: Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning The Rossettis: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) and Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) Ivor Gurney (1890-1937): Poet and Composer A. E. Housman: Poet Whose Words Sparked British and American Song The 19th and 20th Century American Song The American Approach to Poetic Thought Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman James Joyce and James Stephens Discussion Questions English Diction Final Presentation Repertoire List Conclusion References Chapter 3. Italian The Sounds of Italian Italian Vowels Italian Consonants Diction in Context: Italian Vowels The Letters “e” and “o” Diction in Context: Consonants More About the Letters “c,” “g,” and “sc” Double Consonants and Consonant Clusters Single and Double Consonant Practice Parts of Speech and Elements of Grammar Elements of Sentences Discussion Questions Italian Language and Thought Dante and Petrarch Petrarch and Laura Early Italian Song Giulio Caccini (1546-1618) Marco Antonio (Pietro) Cesti (1620-1669) Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) Alessandro Parisotti (1853-1913) Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925) Discussion Questions Italian Diction First Presentation Repertoire List Italian Vocal Music in the Nineteenth Century Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848) Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) Italian Diction Final Presentation Repertoire List Conclusion References Chapter 4. German The Sounds of German Single Vowels or Monophthongs Diphthongs Glide Fricative Consonants Affricative Consonants Lateral Consonant Unvoiced Stop Plosive Consonants Onset of Open Vowels Parts of Speech and Elements of Grammar Elements of Sentences Goethe and Romanticism Discussion Questions The Poets Heinrich Heine (1797-1856): Lyric Poet Friedrich Rückert (1788-1866) Joseph von Eichendorff (1788-1857) Eduard Mörike (1804-1875) The Composers Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1846) and Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847) Robert Schumann (1810-1856) and Clara Wieck Schumann (1819-1896) Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) German Diction First Presentation Repertoire List Later 19th Century German Lied Hugo Wolf and Eduard Mörike (1804-1875) Hugo Wolf and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) Hugo Wolf and Joseph von Eichendorff (1788-1857) Hugo Wolf and Italienisches Liederbuch Hugo Wolf and Spanisches Liederbuch Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) Richard Strauss (1864-1949) German Diction Final Presentation Repertoire List Conclusion References Chapter 5. French The Sounds of French Mute “e”: [ə] or [÷] Glides “Mixed” Vowels Nasal Vowels Diacritical Marks French Consonants Parts of Speech and Elements of Grammar Elements of Sentences The Early French Art Song Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Cesar Franck (1822-1890) Charles Gounod (1818-1893) Composers of the French Mélodie Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Who Wrote the Poems that Inspired French Mélodie? Paul Verlaine (1844-1916) Victor Hugo (1802-1885) Charles Baudelaire (1811-1867) Theophile Gautier (1811-1872) Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) Henri Duparc (1848-1933) Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894) Reynaldo Hahn (1875-1947) Discussion Questions The French mélodies of Maurice Ravel, Francis Poulenc, and Erik Satie Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) Erik Satie (1866-1925) French Diction Final Presentation Repertoire List Conclusion References Concluding Thoughts Glossary Appendix A. Practice Drills, Quizzes, Assessment Forms Appendix B. Index of Works Cited Appendix C. Resources for Diction Learning Index

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Book SynopsisA Systematic Approach to Voice: The Art of Studio Application is a professional resource presenting a framework for the integration of science-informed principles of voice production and pedagogical application in the training of singers. Author Dr. Kari Ragan has spent years using this organizational template of the five voice systems - respiration, phonation, registration, articulation and resonance - to identify technical challenges and design corrective vocal exercises to enable efficient singing. Each of the voice system chapters contains a brief overview of the mechanics as well as key points for teachers, or "teacher takeaways." The book's core offering is vocal exercises which, framed within a systematic approach, provide strategies for the art of studio application. The intent is that this approach leads to technically proficient singing with the ultimate goal of serving great artistry. Key Features: Over 85 vocal exercises for studio application framed within a systematic approach Brief overview of the mechanics of each voice system Introduction of several kinesthetic singing tools Extensive discussion on semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises Sample warm-up protocolsTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Dedication Chapter 1. A Systematic Approach The Heuristic Nature of a Systematic Approach Kinesthetic Singing Tools Considerations for Alterations of Vocal Exercises Summary References Selected Resources Chapter 2. The Twenty-First Century Voice Teacher The Benefits of Cross-training the Voice Athlete Voice Habilitation Vocal Warm-ups Versus Vocal Function Exercises Motor Learning Theory and the Singer Summary References Chapter 3. A Systematic Approach to Respiration Overview of Respiration Inhalation Exhalation Teacher Takeaways of Respiration Application of Respiration Body Awareness Exercises Exercise 3-1 Large Ball~Stretching and Lengthening Exercise 3-2 Large Ball~Posture and Alignment Coordination Exercises Exercise 3-3 Sustaining Unvoiced Consonants Exercise 3-4 Rhythmic Patterns on Unvoiced Consonant /s/, /f/, / /, / / Exercise 3-5 Alternating Unvoiced/Voiced Consonant Pairs Exercise 3-6 Flow-ball by POWERbreathe Exercise 3-7 Flow-ball Voiceless Staccato Exercise 3-8 Flow-ball Voiceless Messa di Voce Exercise 3-9 Flow-ball Voiced "Flownation" Breath Depletion Exercises Exercise 3-10 Breath Depletion Prior to Inhalation Exercise 3-11 Breath Depletion Conditioning Adding Resonance with /m/ Exercise 3-12 / um/ Patterns Rib Cage Expansion Exercise 3-13 Exercise Band Respiratory Release Exercise 3-14 Pelvic Floor Release Exercise 3-15 Xiphoid Process Area Release Core Engagement Exercise 3-16 Encouraging Core Engagement Through Exercise Balls Exercise 3-17 Large Ball Squat Exercise 3-18 Exercise Band Core Engagement Summary References Selected Resources Chapter 4. A Systematic Approach to Phonation Overview of Phonation Teacher Takeaways of Phonation Overview of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) Postures Diameter of Straw or Tube Length of Straw or Tube Material of Straw or Tube Straw or Tube in Water (Water Bubbles) The Use of an Anesthesia Mask to Facilitate an SOVT Posture Teacher Takeaways for SOVT Postures Application of Phonation Straw Phonation/Pitch Glides Exercise 4-1 Straw Phonation Pitch Glides~Small Intervals Exercise 4-2 Straw Phonation Pitch Glides~Full Range Exercise 4-3 Straw Phonation Pitch Glides~ Varying Intervals Exercise 4-4 Straw Phonation Scales Exercise 4-5 Straw Phonation Pitch Glides to Vowels Water Bubbles Exercise 4-6 Water Bubble Pitch Glides Exercise 4-7 Water Bubble Repertoire Lip Trills Exercise 4-8 Arpeggio Lip Trills Exercise 4-9 Chromatic Lip Trills Vocal Onsets and Offsets Exercise 4-10 Mastering Staccato Exercise 4-11 Water Bubble Staccato Exercise 4-12 Staccato to Legato Vocal Fry Exercise 4-13 Vocal Fry~Sustaining Exercise 4-14 Vocal Fry to Chest Registration Exercise 4-15 Vocal Fry to Head Registration Summary References Selected Resources Chapter 5. A Systematic Approach to Registration Overview of Registration Teacher Takeaways of Registration Application of Registration Female Head Registration Isolation Exercise 5-1 Soft /u/~Secondo Passaggio Exercise 5-2 Sustained Head Registration Isolation Exercise 5-3 Head Register Isolation Crescendo Exercise 5-4 Advanced Head Register Isolation Exercise 5-5 Advanced Head Registration~Bel Canto Inspired Male Head Registration Isolation Exercise 5-6 Soft /u/ for Balanced Registration Exercise 5-7 Head Registration Isolation Through Variation of Dynamics and Vowels Exercise 5-8 Building a Bridge Across RegistersMale Registration Coordination Exercise 5-9 Using Head Registration to Develop High Notes in Chest Registration Exercise 5-10 Messa di Voce Through the Secondo Passaggio Female Chest Registration Isolation Exercise 5-11 Chest Registration Isolation Exercise 5-12 Using Head Registration to Facilitate Efficient Chest Registration Exercise 5-13 Building a Bridge to Belting Mixed Registration for a Broad Spectrum of Sound Exercise 5-14 "Meow" ~ CCM Mixed Registration Exercise 5-15 "My" ~ CCM Mixed Registration Exercise 5-16 Arpeggio~Mixed Registration Exercise 5-17 Ode to Joan Lader Exercise 5-18 Alternating Registration Exercise 5-19 Mastering Messa di Voce Summary References Selected Resources Chapter 6. A Systematic Approach to Articulation Overview of Articulation The Jaw The Tongue The Soft Palate The Pharynx Teacher Takeaways of Articulation Application of Articulation Jaw Stretches Exercise 6-1 Preparing the Jaw Jaw Voiced Exercises Exercise 6-2 Wine Cork Between Front Teeth Exercise 6-3 Wine Cork Between Molars Exercise 6-4 Masseter Muscle Release Tongue Stretches Exercise 6-5 Tongue Out Stretch Exercise 6-6 Tongue Curl Stretch Exercise 6-7 Underside of Tongue Stretch Exercise 6-8 Circular Tongue Stretch Tongue Voice Exercises Exercise 6-9 Dental Consonants Exercise 6-10 Palatal Consonants Exercise 6-11 Developing Jaw and Tongue Independence Exercise 6-12 Voiced Raspberry and Tongue Trills Exercise 6-13 Base of Tongue Disengagement Exercise 6-14 Candy on the Tongue Exercise 6-15 Gauze on the Tongue Exercise 6-16 Ode to Barbara Doscher Exercise 6-17 Dental/Palatal Consonant Combinations Soft Palate Stretches Exercise 6-18 Isolating the Soft Palate Activation Exercise 6-19 Soft Palate Exploration with Voicing Exercise 6-20 Using Nasality to Explore the Contrast of Soft Palate Elevation Exercise 6-21 Thumb in Mouth Against the Soft Palate Summary References Selected Resources Chapter 7. A Systematic Approach to Resonance Overview of Resonance High Frequency Spectral Content: Vocal Ring Classical Singer's Lofted Resonance Strategy CCM Singer's Brassy (Twang) Resonance Strategy Western Classical Vs. CCM Teacher Takeaways Application of Resonance Exercise 7-1 Chant Speech~Humming Exercise 7-2 Pitch Glides~Humming Exercise 7-3 Using /hm/ to Facilitate Resonance Exercise 7-4 Ode to Ellen Faull Exercise 7-5 Alternating /hm/ with a Vowel Series Exercise 7-6 Bending Forward Exercise 7-7 Lying Over A Ball Exercise 7-8 Chopstick Between the Teeth Exercise 7-9 Retroflex / / Exercise 7-10 Y-Buzz Exercise 7-11 Facilitating Brassy Resonance~Twang Chapter 8. Sample Vocal Warm-up Routines Classical Female (Middle/High School, Undergraduate, Avocational Singer) Classical Female (Undergraduate/Graduate, Emerging Professional, Professional Singer) Classical Male (Middle/High School, Undergraduate, Avocational Singer) Classical Male (Undergraduate/Graduate, Emerging Professional, Professional Singer) Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Female (Beginner/Intermediate) Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Female (Intermediate/Advanced) Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Male (Beginner/Intermediate) Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Male (Intermediate/Advanced) Index

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Book SynopsisClass Voice: Fundamental Skills for Lifelong Singing is a unique undergraduate textbook which can be adapted to needs of any potential voice user, including music education students, voice students who are not majoring in music, and adult learners. By explaining the basics of singing using practical skills and examples, this text is accessible to students with a wide range of talents, interests, and expertise levels. With chapters devoted to skills for singing solo and in groups, instructors can tailor the included materials to encourage students to become thoroughly familiar with their own voices and to identify and appreciate the gifts of others. Learning to sing is a process of trial and error. The warm-ups and other in-class performance opportunities contained in this textbook can raise student confidence and minimize anxiety. The chapters about age and size-appropriate repertoire and issues of vocal health provide vital information about preserving the vocal instrument for a lifetime of singing. Key Features Warm-up and cool-down exercise routines, including strategies for relaxing and breath management Repertoire topics divided by language and genre and suggestions about how to use the repertoire to develop specific skills Issues of diversity, gender, and inclusivity covered in the chapter entitled "The Singing Life" Suggestions for comparative listening and questions for discussion to encourage deeper learning Adaptable materials which can be tailored to fit interests in choral music, musical theater, folksong, as well as Classical vocal repertoire Assignments, evaluation criteria, and assessment forms for midterm and final presentations A glossary of key terms A bibliography with resources for research and learning Information on basic musicianship skill training for those who need it A PluralPlus companion website with PowerPoint lecture slides and three sample syllabi tailored to different class voice populations and study questions with answers and suggested reading lists for studentsTable of ContentsForeword by Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA How to Use This Textbook A Message to Students A Message to Teachers Getting Started: Studying Singing Together Acknowledgements Contributors Reviewers Introduction. Strategies for Lifelong Singing Song: With and Without Words Instruments versus Voice Human Growth: Musical, Physical, Aesthetic Speaking Voice and Singing Voice Use Musical Skill Training and Singing Issues of Fach and Longevity Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 1. Skills for Learning to Sing Brenda Smith The Basics of Singing Relaxation Posture Breathing Resonance The Why and How of Warm-Ups and Cool Downs Discussion Questions References Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice Robert Thayer Sataloff Anatomy Physiology Conclusion References Chapter 3. Skills for Learning to Sing Music Ronald Burrichter Introduction Musicianship Skills Singing and Rhythm Basics of the Printed Page Other Rhythmic Tricks Singing and Note Learning Understanding Aural Skill Levels Strategies for Lifelong Music Learning Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Learning Music Learning Online Resources for Music Learning Choral Singing Chapter 4. Skills for Learning to Sing Text Brenda Smith The Italian Language and Singing Skill International Phonetic Alphabet Tricks for Learning IPA The Value of the International Phonetic Alphabet Learning the IPA in English Consonants Singing versus Speaking Vowels and Consonants Using the International Phonetic Alphabet as a Tool Phonetic Transcriptions and "Rhyming Vowels" Sounds in Italian, German, and French Diction in Context Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 5. Singing Solo Brenda Smith The Singing Art in the Western World Bel Canto, Legato, and the Even Scale Range, Registration, and Tessitura Messa di Voce or "Measuring" the Voice Tone Quality and Vibrato Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading References Chapter 6. Singing with Others Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Singing Together in Choirs A Brief History of Early Choral Singing Unison Singing Choral Breathing Canons Suggested Canons for Class Voice Use Two-Part Singing The Singing Life of Choral Singers Singing Soprano in a Choir Singing Alto in a Choir Singing Tenor in a Choir Singing Baritone or Bass in a Choir Choral Singing and Tuning Challenges of Choral Singing Score Marking Conclusion Chapter 7. Skills for Mastering Repertoire Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Warm-ups and Voice Building Relaxation and Posture Breathing and Resonance Cool-Downs Solving Vocal Problems in Repertoire Repertoire Learning Skills Learning a Song: Step One Is the Text Word Mastery Understanding Vowels Materials for Score Preparation Establishing the Context for a New Song Sample Fact Sheet for Vocal Repertoire Musical Preparation Practice Strategies Sample Practice Logs Sample One Sample Two Sample Three Practice Styles The Role of Mindfulness and Joy in Practice Performance Anxiety and Musical Preparation Tips for Mindful Preparation Performing and Mental Toughness Physical Factors and Performance Singing and Sharing the Stage Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading Practice Skills Performance Anxiety References Chapter 8. Vocal Skills and Repertoire Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter What Singers Sing Folksongs Early Italian Songs and Arias British and American Song German Lieder French Melodie Learning Vocal Skills through Repertoire Suggested Vocal Repertoire and Lesson Plans for Class Voice Study Breath Coordination and Gentle Onset Legato and Phrasing Vocal Agility and Flexibility Vocal Color and Text Painting Range and Registration Messa di voce Opera, Singspiel, and Operetta Musical Theater Suggested Musical Theater Repertoire for Class Voice Spirituals and African American Art Songs Putting It All Together Interpreting Text and Music Performance Strategies for Class Presentations Midterm and Final Projects and Performances Midterm Presentation Final Presentation Program Notes and Research Performance Etiquette Criteria for Evaluation "An die Musik" (To Music) - An International Calling Card for Singers Conclusion Discussion Questions Recommended Online Resources Resources for Further Reading References Chapter 9. The Singing Life Considerations for the Adolescent Singing Voice Vincent Oakes Singing Fundamentals for the Adolescent Voice Phonation Onset and Duration Non-Pitched Exercises for the Adolescent Voice Limited Range Exercises for the Adolescent Voice Aural Development of the Adolescent Singer Balance and Physicality for the Developing Singer Additional Considerations Conclusion Discussion Questions For Further Reading References Singing and Women Brenda Smith Finding Your Voice Women and Choral Singing Healthy Voice Use Maintaining Your Voice Vocal Aging: To Sing or Not to Sing Vocal Limitations and Strategies Conclusion Discussion Questions References Singing Life of Men Ronald Burrichter The Singing Life of Tenors Men Falsetto Voices The Singing of Life of Baritones and Basses Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading Gender Spectrum Voice Erin Nicole Donahue Working with the Gender Diverse Population Transition and Hormones Aspects of Voice and Verbal Communication The Transgender or Gender Diverse Singer Considerations for the Music Educator Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 10. The Science of Healthy Singing Erin Nicole Donahue Vocal Health and Wellness A Brief Overview of Anatomy and Physiology Respiration Maximizing Vocal Health Voice Disorders and Laryngeal Pathology The Voice Care Team Conclusion Discussion Questions References Conclusion. The Benefits of Skillful Lifelong Singing Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Singing Alone and with Others The Intrinsic Value of Singing Singing in the 21st Century 21st Century Vocal Pedagogy Maintaining Fundamental Skills for Singing Cautions and Strategies Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading References Glossary Bibliography: Resources for Research and Learning Index

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Book Synopsis Rivers of Sacred Sound traces the flow of influences from East to West, from BC to AD and from wordless jubilations to the setting of texts. It takes the discussion about western chant beyond a European perspective. The text of this book, preceded by an introduction, is presented in seven chapters and covers a period of approximately five thousand years. There are many references all over the world to praising the divine with sound. Thus the starting point is the praise song, a fundamental impulse in mankind. The Rg-Veda requests that our loudest-sounding hymn be accepted, as food most delightful to the Gods. The Psalms request us to make a joyful noise unto God and to sing forth the honour of His name. Spontaneous songs became ritual events. In an aural culture what was the role of gesture and what is its role now? There are many doors to open in pursuing these and other questions. This book opens some of them.Table of ContentsContents List of Figures vii List of Musical Examples ix Preface xiii Notation and Script xvii Acknowledgements xix Introduction 1 chapter 1 Historical Background 5 chapter 2 Language 17 chapter 3 Scale and Mode 49 chapter 4 Recitation, Psalmody and Silence 89 chapter 5 Alan4kaaras and Neumes 101 chapter 6 Rhythm in Chant 129 vi chapter 7 The Hand: Mudraas and Cheironomy 137 Epilogue 153 Glossary 155 Bibliography 163 Index 169

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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