Alternatim Practice in the Manuscript Cantionale (R. 583) From Jasna Góra

Abstract

An important role in developing the performance practice of liturgical monody was played by the alternatim technique, which a lot of organ music is related to. The organ, replacing the choir of singers, performed a function which was analogical to the one of managing a liturgical text. Compositions performed in the alternatim way must have been widely known. They comprised, among others, great Marian antiphons and the Credo. This vocal – instrumental mode of performing Latin chant can also be found in the manuscript Cantionale R. 583 from the beginning of the 16^th century, belonging to the Pauline tradition. There are four chants altogether in which the practice of alternatim is visible: Salve Regina, Ave Regina caelorum, Regina caeli and Credo. In the light of the presented Marian antiphons and the foundations of the alternatim technique, it can be inferred that the Pauline manuscript conformed to the precise rules of using this technique whereas in Credo it is rather a local tradition. The given examples prove that the vocal and instrumental manner of performing chants was also present in  the Latin Pauline liturgy.