The Melodic Language
This chapter posits a set of principles that underlie the melodic grammar of the Old Hispanic melodies though close analysis of its neumes. In the Old Hispanic notation, certain neumes and neume combinations were used to signal particular structural points in the melodies, pointing to a distinctive culture of musical literacy associated with the rite in the tenth and eleventh centuries. By examining the contexts in which these neumes occur, the author identifies melodic repetitions, and posits which neume patterns served as cadences and openings. Through this analysis, a sophisticated melodic grammar emerges. The melodies are closely tethered to aspects of the text, such as syntax, accent, and syllable division. While melodic variety and individuality are core traits of the repertory, the creators of the chants drew on a large vocabulary of standard melodic formulas, combining it in ever varying ways.