Monday, June 3, 2024

Martani Sandra, Modal References in the Byzantine Heirmologion. The Medial Signatures in the Manuscript Grottaferrata E.γ.III










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Summary
In the Byzantine notations, the main purpose of the medial signatures (MeSi) is to clarify aspects of modal changes in the melody, wich are usually connected with the structure of the text. In the Palaeobyzantine heirmologia the use of MeSi is limited, since the plain modal structure and the short texts do not offer the opportunity to build articulate modulations.

In this respect the MS Grottaferrata E.γ.III reveals peculiar characteristics, because it contains a greater number of MeSi than the other heirmologia. The analysis of the MeSi and the phthorai used in this codex shows that they both seem to be not only a signal for brief modulations or transpositions, but also a “diastematic” indication. In any case, based on present knowledge, some occurrences remain without a plausible explanation.

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