Professor Edward Schaefer of Florida University is presenting an online course in Semiology and the Interpretation of Chant. There will be fifteen modules covering topics such as the relationship between textual rhythm and melodic development, Archaic Modes, and of course the notation from St Gall and Laon which will be examined in considerable depth. Ed's Semiology classes at the CMAA Colloquiums are incredibly popular and he is absolutely at the forefront of this field. There are details on his website and you can also read more in the the attached PDF which gives details of the course, cost and requirements. This has to be the first Semiology Course ever taught online and it looks to be an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to develop their knowledge in this area.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Friday, July 05, 2013
What are those strange squiggles in the Graduale Triplex?
Sacred Music is the name of the quarterly journal of the Church Music Association of America. In the most recent issue, I have an article entitled 'The Solesmes Chant Tradition: The Original Neumatic Signs and Practical Performance Today'. The article is based on a talk I gave at the CMAA Colloquium in Salt Lake City in 2012 and is intended as an entry into the world of Solesmes and Semiology, in other words how the monks went about the process of deciphering the early chant manuscripts and converting them into a universal and singable performing edition. I know that many readers of the NLM blog are very knowledgeable about this particular field, however this may be of interest if you want to know what semiology is, what is meant by 'Old Solesmes' or if you have simply always wondered what those strange squiggles are in the Graduale Triplex:
I have posted the article here and I am grateful to the CMAA for allowing me to do so. If you would like to subscribe to the journal, you can do so here. It represents good value at $48 a year, however you can donate more to this extremely good cause should you wish and help support the CMAA's vast plethora of projects. You can also browse the online archive of previous editions.
