Introduction
Understanding this tradition
The biblical cantilation puts the Torah, the Prophets and other books into the voice according to signs called te-a-amim. These indicate both accentuation, syntax and melodic outline. Psalms and prayers have other sung uses, varying strongly according to rites.
First listening
Three things to hear
- Follow the phrase ends and pauses indicated by the melody.
- Compare two regional traditions on the same passage.
- Do not wait for a tempo or a regular song form.
History and transmission
Sign systems were fixed by the Maspretes in the first millennium, but the melodies are transmitted orally. Ashkenaz, sefarad, Yemeni, Italian or near-Eastern traditions do not sound the same and can still vary according to the party or book read.
What does it look like?
An unaccompanied voice follows brief motifs attached to the accents of the text. The flow and ornamentation make the structure of the sentence audible. In psalmody, recitation, resortory singing and community melodies can alternate.
Where and why are we listening?
Cantillation is first a ritual way of proclaiming a Hebrew text. Listening without translation can make the musical syntax heard, but understanding the passage and its liturgical moment deepens the meaning of it.
Artists, works and albums
Three listening doors
Each button opens a search targeted on an external platform. Orabel does not read, copy and host any audio files.
Torah Reading Trop Taamim
Michoel Slavin
To hear the reasons for cantillation in a learning setting.Cantillations
Milken Archive
A work and documentation to explore an Ashkenazi tradition.Chants hébraïques traditionnels
Various Artists
To compare by always checking the rite and community indicated.Listen and transmit with respect
Do not speak of a single Jewish music. Identify the rite, community, text and function; some educational records do not replace learning with a qualified reader.
Sources