Syrian chant is one of the oldest Christian chants in the world.[1][2] Due to the lack of information concerning early musical manuscripts, it is conjectural to what extent the modern repertoire reflects the early traditions.[1][2] What we know of the sound in Syrian chant is mainly derived from modern performances.[1] Modern performances have a sparse texture and are highly ornamented. The setting within which Syriac chant takes place is, also only understood through the modern performances of Syriac chant. The chant seems to be designed to resonate throughout the building it is performed in. This suggests that the setting was always a church building or a room that reflected the sound of the walls and ceilings. There is some difficulty in studying Syrian chant due to the geopolitical conflict throughout Syrian Christian history.[3] Many of the conflicts have resulted in persecution of Syrian Christians which may account for the oral tradition of Syriac chant.[1] The history of Syriac chant is derived from diaspora and persecution.[3]
- ^ a b c d Jarjour 2015a.
- ^ a b Jarjour 2015c.
- ^ a b Shoup 2018.