History and Practice of Orthodox Liturgical Music

This course, which does not require any previous knowledge of music theory, will examine the history and development of liturgical music in the Orthodox Church. It will examine the relationship and differences between Byzantine chant (and other related ancient chant systems) and polyphonic church music, including in musical scales, notation systems, composition and the relationship of music to the text of liturgy. The contemporary application of Byzantine chant will be explored, including composing
music in ancient chant tradition for English liturgical translations and representing chants on a five-line staff. The course will also consider the liturgical purpose and performance of Orthodox Church music and its impact on celebrants and worshippers.