[HANASHIR:13037] Re: trope question

[DMG686 <DMG686...>]

Ellie,
According to the book "Biblical Chant" by Abraham Binder, the vertical line 
that you see in Genesis 42:21 is called a Psik.  According to Binder on page 
30, "the trope psik is a sign found between words.  The trope psik, which is 
equivalent to a sixteenth rest, is found between two words, and has no tonal 
equivalent."
If I was chanting that passage zarka, munach, psik, zarka, segol, I would 
chant the munach as Cantor Wolff states to chant a munach before a segol.  I 
would then pause briefly for the psik, and then chant the zarka segol as 
usual.  The psik is usually put in for emphasis on an important phrase, 
concept, or word.  Such as the psik found in the Akeida portion where the 
angel calls to Abraham just as Abraham lifts his knife to slay Isaac.  The 
psik in this instance falls between a munach and an etnachta using the High 
Holyday Torah trope.
Good luck in your chanting of this portion.  You can get "Biblical Chant" by 
Abraham Binder by calling Transcontinental Music.  It is part of the Sacred 
Music Press Collection.  It is worth having for anyone who chants trope.

Donna Gordon
Cantorial Intern

<< >I'm reading Torah this Shabbat, and the line in question is Genesis 
42:21. 
 >The sequence of tropes is zarka munach zarka segol, with one of those 
 >vertical lines between munach and the 2nd zarka. The question: how is the 
 >munach sung? As the munach before zarka or the munach between zarka and 
 >segol? Does the vertical line matter?
 >
 >Also, what is the vertical line called, and what is its meaning? I've been 
 >using Josee Wolff's wonderful book and it's a great resource, but it never 
 >explains exactly. I've been told it indicates a slight pause, but I'd like 
 >a more official answer if there is one.
 >
 >Thanks,
 >
 >Ellie
 >
 > >>

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