isokratilise

Isokratilise is a term that refers to a specific style of vocal performance or musical arrangement that emphasizes a consistent, unchanging pitch or drone. This isokratilise is often found in various traditional music genres, particularly in Eastern Orthodox chant and some folk music traditions. The defining characteristic is the sustained, often unadorned, vocal line that serves as a foundation for other melodic elements or as a primary sonic texture.

The word itself is derived from the Greek term "isokrates," meaning "equal power" or "equal ruler." In the context of music, it signifies the steady, unwavering presence of a note or chord. This can be achieved by a single voice or a group of voices singing the same pitch simultaneously. The isokratilise is not meant to be a complex melodic line but rather a stable sonic anchor.

In Byzantine chant, for example, the isokratilise is often sung by one or more singers holding the fundamental pitch of the mode throughout a psalm or hymn. This creates a rich harmonic backdrop against which the principal melody is sung. The effect is one of profound stillness and continuity, contributing to the meditative and spiritual quality often associated with this type of music. While the term is most closely associated with religious music, similar concepts of sustained drones can be found in other musical cultures, highlighting a universal human inclination towards foundational sonic stability.