Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Leo Treitler. "Homer and Gregory: The Transmission of Epic Poetry and Plainchant." The Musical Quarterly, 60:333-72.

Investigates the role of transmission of plainchant before the age of musical transcription, explaining how oral forms played a role in the invention, maintenance, and passing on of melodies. Understands the process as one of oral performance/composition in which "formulas" (standard musical passages) have become stereotypes under the aegis of "formulaic systems" (the constraints of a melody or phrase). Treats the system as the singer's internal sense of pattern and demonstrates Parry-Lord thrift as an aspect of the melodic multiforms.
Area: MU, CP