4. Basic plainchant
An introduction

5. Chant Notation The “Fa” Clef The “Do” Clef
Indicates the “Fa” of the Scale (Looks like an F)
Indicates the “Do” of the Scale (Looks like a C)

6. Chant Notation
Neumes
Indicates Pitch
Shape Doesn’t Matter

7. Chant Notation
Neumes
Does Not Indicate Rhythm
Text Dictates Rhythm

8. Chant Notation
Dotted Neumes
(Mora)
Lengthens the Note
Usually Double

9. Chant Notation Parallel Neumes Podatus or Pes (“foot”)
Ascending Notes (Lower First)
Always one syllable

10. Chant Notation Diagonal Neumes Clivis (“by slope”)
Descending Notes (Higher First)
Always one syllable

11. Chant Notation Flatted Neumes Lowers the Note By a Half Step
Always occurs on “B” Making “Ti” into “Te”
Resembles a “b”

12. Chant Notation Bar Lines Quarter Bar Breathe if necessary
Often at a comma

13. Chant Notation Bar Lines Half Bar Short Breath
Often at the “Flex” or semi-colon

14. Chant Notation Bar Lines Full Bar Choral Breath
Often at the Half Verse (indicated by “*” in text)

15. Chant Notation Bar Lines Double Bar Choral Breath
Often at the Ending of a Verse

16. Chant Notation
Bar Lines (Comparison)
Quarter
Half
Full
Double

17. Reading Chant

18. Psalm tones Musical Elements
Intonation (sung only first verse, except in Gospel Canticals)
Recitation (main note that is sung)
Mediation (Mediant) – Middle Cadence at half verse

19. Psalm tones

20. Psalm tones Musical Elements Ending – Final Cadence at end of verse
Flex – occasional quarter verse, typically indicated in text rather than music

21. Psalm tones

22. Psalm tones Musical Elements
Hollow Neume – sung if necessary, omitted if not
Dotted Neume – Lengthened (usually at end of cadence)

23. Psalm tones

24. Psalm tones Textual Elements (Pointed Text)
Dot to separate recitation from cadences
Asterisk (Star) to separate half verses

25. Psalm tones

26. Psalm tones Textual Elements (Pointed Text) Flex Indications
Obelisk (dagger) – indicates breath
Caron (wedge) – drop from reciting note
Macron (straight bar) – remain on reciting note

27. Psalm tones

28. Psalm tones

29. Psalm tones

30. Psalm tones Note: Text drives the singing
Note: Endings at the Mediation are based on the accented syllables
Note: Flex is based on accented syllables