Tract

What it means

The tract is a chant of the Proper of the Mass that on certain days takes the place of the Alleluia — above all in Lent and at requiem Masses, that is, in times when the shout of jubilation falls away. Its text consists of several psalm verses, delivered continuously without antiphon and without responsorial alternation; the name refers to this singing in one continuous stretch (Latin tractus).

In the notation

Tract chants stand in square notation and are comparatively extensive, with extended melismas at the ends of verses. Striking is the formulaic layout: certain melodic turns of phrase recur from verse to verse and are adapted to the respective text. This is recognizable from identical neume groups at comparable points.

Musical use

The tract belongs to the oldest layers of the repertoire and shows especially clearly how chant melodies are built from formulas: opening, middle, and closing turns of phrase are combined and laid onto the text. For understanding the genre this is more important than the individual melody. Sonically it seems serious and solemn, which fits the liturgical time in which it is sung. In polyphonic music it was arranged less often than other chants, because its length and its formulaic layout invite this less.

Performance practice

First get an overview of the recurring turns of phrase; whoever recognizes them learns the chant faster and phrases with more assurance. Divide long melismas and breathe at the marked points. Keep tempo and tone calm and even, without vibrato. Distribute the verses among groups if necessary, even though the chant was originally delivered continuously, in order to spare the singers' strength. Choose a comfortable register and reckon with the room's reverberation.

Bear in mind that the tract is comparatively long and takes up time in the service: clarify with those in charge whether it is sung in full, and plan your strength, because the extended melismas are demanding. The tract appears above all in Lent and in the Requiem.