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Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 12:34:16 -0500
From: rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Subject: Re: Ta'amim for Tehillim

Gregg Kinkley asks(Bais Medrash, Vol 1 Number 62) for a source for
cantillation descriptions for Tehillim. Try

1) TAAMAY EMETH, by Baer with an introduction by Rav Hirsch (A rare book
from the 19th century)

2) MISHPETAY HATEAMIM by Breauer, Edition 2 (edition 1 does not have it)
There are several chapters on TAAMAY EMETH.

I have both of the above books as well as my own notes showing minor
modifications to many rules using the Aleppo codex.

As far how to sing them I have used the following strategm with success:
Translate each EMETH cantillation into the PROPHETIC cantillation with the
same function (Thus the Oleh VeYorayd in EMETH functions like a Segol).

You can then learn to chant each posook in the Navi teamim tune. I have
found this useful pedagogically. (I have also done research on what these
teamim might have sounded like based on texts of Ben Asher)

Russell Jay Hendel; phD ASA
RHendel @ mcs drexel edu

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