Hail, Bride Without Bridegroom! Alleluia! The Akathistos Refrains in Simple Chant and Artful Composition

The notated music of the kontakia and the Akathistos is documented extensively from about the end of the twelfth century. Such music is found in manuscripts of the type psaltikon, the soloist’s part book in the cathedral rite. However, also a much simpler performance style can be seen in a limited number of manuscripts from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, alongside artful, kalophonic settings of the Akathistos.
These three musical styles span from simple recitation to florid streams of melismatic music. Likewise, the contribution deals with the continuity, development, and complementarity of these musical styles. Special focus is given to the refrains, where choir or congregation confirms the Akathistos Hymn as a communal liturgical expression.