Climacus: Descending neum 3 or more notes. All notes same value (1 beat each). Custos: Indicates what the first note will be on the next line. Flat: Remains in effect for as long as the word lasts, up to the next bar line of any kind, or until cancelled by the natural sign (whichever comes first). Mode: Roman numeral indicates mode (the medieval system of scales). There are eight modes in Gregorian chant. Horizontal episema: Horizontal line above or beneath a neum suggesting that the neum be sung expressively. Used in some of the music in this hymnal, but now being removed from Solesmes publications. Vertical episema (ictus) (vertical line beneath a neum): Rhthmic sign indicating the place of count one in binary and tertiary groups of simple beats. Found in some publications; now being removed from current Solesmes publications. An asterisk (*) within text indicates one singer/choir followed by another singer/choir. Most often used in this booklet to show when the cantor begins the piece, followed by all. Bars (signs of pause) The following are guidelines. The text actually dictates phrasing and determines when should take a breath. (a) Quarter bar: Separates clauses in the text. No breath, unless necessary (b) Half bar: Separates members of phrase. Almost always implies taking breath. (c) Full bar: Separates phrases. Slight slowing of movement before bar. Silence of brief duration after bar.* Take breath.
Climacus: Descending neum 3 or more notes. All notes same value (1 beat each). Custos: Indicates what the first note will be on the next line. Flat: Remains in effect for as long as the word lasts, up to the next bar line of any kind, or until cancelled by the natural sign (whichever comes first). Mode: Roman numeral indicates mode (the medieval system of scales). There are eight modes in Gregorian chant. Horizontal episema: Horizontal line above or beneath a neum suggesting that the neum be sung expressively. Used in some of the music in this hymnal, but now being removed from Solesmes publications. Vertical episema (ictus) (vertical line beneath a neum): Rhthmic sign indicating the place of count one in binary and tertiary groups of simple beats. Found in some publications; now being removed from current Solesmes publications. An asterisk (*) within text indicates one singer/choir followed by another singer/choir. Most often used in this booklet to show when the cantor begins the piece, followed by all. Bars (signs of pause) The following are guidelines. The text actually dictates phrasing and determines when should take a breath. (a) Quarter bar: Separates clauses in the text. No breath, unless necessary (b) Half bar: Separates members of phrase. Almost always implies taking breath. (c) Full bar: Separates phrases. Slight slowing of movement before bar. Silence of brief duration after bar.* Take breath.
novus-ordo-5-settings-02_22.docx