Znamenny notation of the 15th century: transformations and innovations

Abstract

The article examines the development of the Russian znamenny (hook) notation for 15th centuries in the singing manuscripts collection of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (Russian State Library, Moscow. Holding 304). During this century there have been substantial changes in the notation, which ranged across the Church reforms of this time. Notation has retained many period specific signs 11-14 centuries, including the «strely kryukovyi» («hooked arrows»), some kondakar nevmes. The notation developed a new signs to write the changed melodies at the same time. The manuscripts shows a gradual extension of the melodic formulas («popevki»), the different melody versions, theoretical reflections on innovation. Notation changes indicate the development of singing went towards more complex melodies, primarily celebratory chants, namely, the introduction of the vocal lines without texts, creating a layered sign records, complicating the chant inside syllables.