psaltika

The term "psaltika" refers to a specific type of Byzantine chant, which is monophonic, or unison, liturgical music of the Greek Orthodox church. While the term in modern Greece can encompass ecclesiastical music of any period, historically it is linked to the Byzantine Empire (330–1453) and continued until the 16th century.1

Byzantine chant likely draws from Hebrew and early Syrian Christian liturgies. Prominent hymn types include the troparion, kontakion, and kanon. The music itself is distinct from that of ancient Greece and Byzantium.1

Early Byzantine notation, dating from the 10th century, used neumes that indicated musical intervals rather than specific pitches. Later developments, particularly in the 12th century, refined this notation, with principles still in use today. Melodies were often formulaic, adapted from traditional patterns. Liturgical books contained various chants, including those for soloists (psaltikon) and choirs (asmatikon).1