Drone under Byzantine Tone 6?
  • probe
    Posts: 246
    @serviamscores has a nice version of the St. Michael the Archangel chant at
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk71GctqoFYz3sLnRSxN2jAuFZ83MT1cO

    If I wanted a drone under a solo/unison Soprano line, would it matter that the tonic E would clash with the occasional F#, especially audible at the minims? Or should it drop to a D# there?

  • ServiamScores
    Posts: 3,376
    Here is what I would do if it were only 2 part:

    https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6080596f62a0455c6b40e46b/t/6aa0325ae9be4e4717a55aa6/1788883546523/Saint+Michæl+the+Archangel+•+Byzantine+Mode+6+•+2v+edition+•+Voice+2part+edition.pdf
    Thanked by 1probe
  • Chant_Supremacist
    Posts: 369
    Some unstable intervals come with the drone package, but I would not conclude a phrase on a second, I would either flex to an adjacent interval within the mode, or else rethink the drone note, which in my view does not always have to be the finalis. If the intention is to achieve the effect of a drone (as opposed to oblique organum or another proto-tonal idea), you can't flex often or distantly. I'm not familiar with this piece (the original or Serviam's interesting arrangement) or with Byzantine chant, I assume his approach to harmonizing it is well-informed.
    Thanked by 2probe ServiamScores
  • probe
    Posts: 246
    Just for background: this is for a group of a dozen women who started last year to sing unison Gregorian chant. Equally, I first started leading this choir last year, though I have been a choir singer for decades. This year, I want to try out two-part singing. Taking baby steps, I thought we'd try drone first, then organum in thirds, ie the S & A of ServiamScore's arrangement. I'll soon find out if I'm under-estimating them, I know that at least four have sung in other choirs. Serviam's latest two part arrangement would be next on the list. I've been searching for 'bicinia' and 'two part' on this forum and hope to find some really easy ones. Thank you all for your help!
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