Sistemul de cantilație în cultura ebraică
The Cantillation System in Hebrew Culture

Summary/Abstract: The present study offers a detailed perspective on the Hebrew cantillation system, known as Taʿamei HaMiqra, an ancient form of musical notation that accompanies the sacred texts of the Tanakh (Old Testament). Hebrew cantillation plays an essential role in the correct intonation of sacred texts, serving both a musical and a grammatical function, indicating proper punctuation and phrasing. The study analyzes the origin and evolution of this system—preserved to this day—and its impact on Jewish religious practice. In a broader context, the research explores how the ritual reading of the Torah became established within Jewish tradition and how it subsequently influenced other religious traditions, such as Christianity and Islam. Methodologically, the work relies on a historical and comparative approach, examining biblical sources, medieval manuscripts, and the oral traditions of various Jewish communities. The main cantillation traditions are analyzed, including those of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Middle Eastern/North African Jewish communities, each with its own specific characteristics. The study highlights the importance of the Masoretic system in codifying the musical notation used today, emphasizing the complex structure of cantillation symbols (teamim). The limitations of the research are also discussed, given the loss of certain oral traditions and the difficulty of reconstructing some ancient musical interpretations. Current scholarship indicates both the continuity of these practices within Jewish communities and their influence on Western religious music, including the emergence of neumes in Gregorian notation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of a unique musical tradition with both religious and musicological implications.

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