Psalmody
Liturgical psalm singing.
What it means
Psalmody is the liturgical singing of the psalms according to fixed melodic models, the psalm tones. Such a tone consists of an opening formula, a reciting tone on which the greater part of the text is delivered, a mediant cadence, and a closing formula. Because psalm verses differ in length, the model adapts to the text: the reciting tone is repeated as often as needed, the formulas fall on the last stressed syllables. The psalm is framed by an antiphon.
In the notation
In liturgical books the psalm tone stands as a short formula, together with the text with markings for the syllable distribution. The choice of closing formula follows the antiphon and is noted there. The notation prescribes no absolute pitches; the register is chosen for the group's comfort.
Musical use
Psalmody is the basic form of liturgical singing and accompanies the Divine Office as well as parts of the Mass. Its musical appeal lies not in the melody but in the relation of language and tone: the text determines rhythm and organization completely. Polyphonic psalm settings take up the model by placing the reciting tone in one voice and leading the others around it; the falsobordone is such a plain polyphony. Forms of psalm singing of their own also exist in the Protestant tradition and in further denominations.
Performance practice
Speak the verse aloud first, to secure the stresses, and then distribute the syllables according to the markings. Keep the reciting tone calm, even, and without fluctuation, for it is the reference point. Sing the formulas without delay, so that the flow of the text is preserved. Choose a comfortable pitch and breathe together at the caesuras. In antiphonal singing, agree on the connection between the groups, so that no gap arises.
Bear in mind that psalmody is sung over a long time in the Divine Office and is therefore laid out for economy: a calm, even tempo and a comfortable pitch matter more than expression in detail. Choose the register according to the group. Keep the reciting tone calm and execute the formulas without delay.