Information on Tune Code System
Each phrase of the tune, corresponding to a line of text,
is coded as a line of digits. Sung pitches are entered as
digits from 1 to 7; when the tune goes beyond 7 into the next
higher octave, a U ('up') is added before the next
digit; when it goes beyond 1 into the next lower octave, a
D ('down') is added before the next digit. When the
tune-carrying voice divides (indicating 'choosing notes'),
the upper note is chosen. Accidentals, note-lengths, time
signatures, barlines, rest, notes tied to a previous note,
and ornament signs are ignored; so are rests, unless they
indicate missing words.
Melismas: If more than one note is sung to one syllable
of the text, all notes after the first are placed between
parentheses.
Text repetitions: Phrases set to lines of text that
have already been sung are enclosed in square brackets, as
are parts of phrases that repeat words of the text.
These points are illustrated in the following coded tune:
| 5U11D7U1(23)2
21(2345)4321
35545775
533112
[5132D7U1]
|
In some tunes, the tune-carrying voice does not sing the
whole of the text: lines or parts of lines are allotted to
other voices. In this case, each syllable that is omitted
from the tune-carrying vocal line is coded as 0. For example:
|
000035(4)32
000000
35(43)1(D7)6U3(2)1(2)3(4)5
56(54)34(3)21
|
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