DIRECTIONS FOR CHANTING.
THE multiplication of artificial marks in chants, generally produces
a mechanical result; these, therefore, are avoided as much as possible; but the following general explanations and rules may be of
service:
1. The hyphen[-] connects syllables, which are to be sung to one note of
the music.
2. The diæresis[...] separates syllables, which are to be sung to different
notes.
3. The circumflex[] indicates that two or more notes are to be sung to the syllable over which it is placed.
4. Good chanting is simply good reading, only in a musical tone; the grouping of the words, emphasis, expression,& c., should be the same as in reading. The first thing in the study of a chant, therefore, is to determine upon the most natural and emphatic expression of the words. Hence, the words recited to the first note, which is ad libitum, are not to be sung faster than the words that follow, but as the natural expression may require. Musical time begins only with the first bar.
5. The first bar is not intended to indicate a rest after the recitative, but only the beginning of musical time; neither in a tune nor in a chant is a bar intended as a resting place, e.g.
" I will bless the Lord, who hath| given me| counsel:"
The pause is not after the word" hath," but after the word" Lord." What follows is to be sung as one phrase, the words" who hath" as two short notes introductory to the cadence.
6. No chant should be used in a congregation until the precentor or choir shall have carefully studied the grouping, emphasis, and natural expression of the words.