The Chromatic Lyre and Byzantine Music

Historically, the Canons of the Greek Orthodox Church do not forbid the use of musical instruments in the Church. However, by tradition, musical instruments are not used. If a musical instrument is used, the instrument of choice is the organ and other instruments may be used with proper permission and adherence to specific guidelines according to the archdiocese. The use of instruments should support the singing and enhance the worship experience without overshadowing the vocal elements. In summary, Canon Law allows for a variety of instruments in the liturgy, provided they are used appropriately.

In learning the Chromatic Lyre Harp, I became acquainted with the fact that one could adjust the tone of the relative sharp/flat string to what is called, a microtone of various degrees. The relative sharp/flat other instruments may play are called a semitone and that cannot be tuned any finer. Uniquely, the Chromatic Lyre Harp can be microtuned. Since Byzantine music is microtonal, this makes the Chromatic Lyre harp a perfect practice companion for the aspiring chanter. One may not want to use the lyre harp in church, but it can help the chanter learn the proper sound of the microtones. That said, a series of Byzantine Church Music will be played using the Chromatic Lyre Harp.

The following videos are a brief course explaining the 8 Byzantine Tones of the Orthodox Christian Church and the music for the Sacraments of the Church.

The reference document for the videos of the 8 Tones/Modes is provided by Stanley J Takis, New Byzantine Publications. A direct link to his document follows: https://newbyz.weebly.com/uploads/1/4/7/1/147110798/name_that_tone.pdf

To learn to play the Lyre Harp and Read Western Music notation, the following teachers are recommended:
-Sharon Brownell of Learning the Lyre Harp https://www.patreon.com/c/learningthelyreharp/posts
-Catherine Guilbeau of Enfolded Heart https://www.patreon.com/cw/enfoldedheartmusic

If you are interested in really learning the art of Byzantine Chant, the following link will be helpful: https://orthodoxchristianitytoday.org/learn-byzantine-chant-in-the-greek-orthodox-tradition/

The videos follow:

INTRODUCTION: