In Context
- Is the SOPRANO part involved?
Soprano is queen in hymn playing. The integrity of the soprano line must be preserved. Therefore, if repeated notes occur in the soprano, they must be repeated. Never tie two repeated notes in the soprano line. (See the blue “X” spots.)
However, repeated notes that occur between the soprano and alto parts (“COMMON TONES”) are treated in two different ways:
- If the SOPRANO ASCENDS and the alto then becomes the note that the soprano had been (see blue highlights), TIE soprano to alto. To break would be breaking the soprano line to preserve the integrity of the alto line (not acceptable if soprano is queen!).
- If the SOPRANO DESCENDS into what had been the alto note (see yellow highlights), BREAK in the alto part so that the attack of the soprano note can be heard. To tie would be to minimize the clarity of the soprano line in favor of the alto. However, be sure that the two soprano notes keep a legato connection. (See the thin black diagonal lines on following screen.)
