Is this b natural or b flat?
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    In the Gradual for this Sunday (4th after Pentecost) on the word "eorum", there is a b just after a quarter bar. Earlier in the same word, it is flatted three times by the same ( i.e., one) flat sign. Does the quarter bar remove the flat, or does the fact that the word continues maintain the flat even through the quarter bar?

  • FSSPmusic
    Posts: 285
    Natural. The quarter bar line cancels the flat. From the preface to the Vatican edition:
    It is to be noted that B-flat, when it occurs, only holds good as far as the next natural, or dividing line, or new word.
    And the Solesmes Rules for Interpretation:
    In the Vatican Edition the Flat holds good: a) for a whole word; b) as far as the first bar line — even quarter-bar — which occurs after it. The Ta returns to its natural state with a new word, after any bar-line and, of course, whenever a natural is placed before it. In a few pieces the Flat is placed near the Clef on each section of the stave; it then makes flat every Te or B in the piece unless contradicted by a natural.
    Note that they call B-natural te, not ti (but pronounced the same), and B-flat ta not te.
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    Patrick,

    Thank you for that reinforcement. I inherited an edition which has a special notation indicating that the b in question is flat, but I've never thought that made sense. Now that I have confirmation that it's a B natural, I can restore it.

    Thanked by 1FSSPmusic
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    Following up, though, why would anyone think it ought to be a b-flat? That is, on what (rational, thoughtful, intelligent) basis would it still be flatted?
  • FSSPmusic
    Posts: 285
    Avoiding the tritone between fa and ti. Do they also mark it flat when the same figure occurs in other chants, e.g. the graduals Domine dominus noster or Viderunt?
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    That makes sense, probably, in some situations, I guess, but since the fa isn't the very next pitch I wouldn't find it especially convincing. The other b's in that section of text have been flatted, but the one which is a marker for the mode surely wouldn't?

    This 'problem' will recur in mode 5 chants because of the nature of the ending formula, won't it?
  • FSSPmusic
    Posts: 285
    This 'problem' will recur in mode 5 chants because of the nature of the ending formula, won't it?
    Indeed!
Add a Comment