Continuation of an article written by Dn. Sergius Halvorsen,
offering helpful insights for readers. This article is
copyrighted, and used by permission.
The
Practical Side of Church Reading: The Prokeimenon and Alleluia Verses
In some Orthodox traditions, prior to and immediately
following the scriptural reading, the reader chants selected psalm
verses responsorially with the singers. Without going into too
much detail about this particular sort of singing, there are a few
practical points for both the reader and the choir director to keep in
mind. First of all, these two elements of the Liturgy are best
understood as a short dialogue between the reader and the singers or
congregation. The reader should be aware of what musical setting
the singers are using so that the chanted verses do not wreak tonal
havoc with the responses.
A common method is for the reader to chant the verses
on a comfortable note within the key of the response melody. A
beautiful yet technically demanding solution is for the reader to chant
the verses in the same melody that the singers use, a form that is
perhaps most in line with the ancient practice of responsorial singing.
Also, the choir director should be attentive to the
pacing between the reader and the singers so that the two groups produce
one rhythmically coherent chant. Admittedly, there are numerous
technical aspects that facilitate effective responsorial singing, but
the simplest solution to any problems that may arise is for the singers
to practice with the reader. This is particularly important for
beginning readers, those who have had little experience performing the
solo component of responsorial singing. If a new reader has the
opportunity to practice chanting the prokeimenon and the alleluia verses
in a non-threatening situation such as a choir rehearsal, he or she will
acquire the additional confidence that comes with every sort of
practice.
Copyright ©2002 PSALM, Inc. Used by permission.
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Go To:
Readers'
Helps main page
Orthodox Liturgy
What Does a Church Reader Do?
The Principles of Church Reading
The Practical
Sides of Church Reading:
Read It First
A Chant Strategy
Endings
Speed
Diction
Volume and Pitch
The Celebrant's Pitch
The Prokeimenon and Alleluia Verses
Movement and Presentation
Feedback
More Liturgical
Information:
For
Choirs
For
Priests
