+Gregorian chant can be transcribed into modern notation with a
+number of simple tweaks.
+
+@b{Stems}. Stems can be left out altogether by @code{\remove}-ing
+the @code{Stem_engraver} from the Voice context:
+
+@example
+\layout @{
+ ...
+ \context @{
+ \Voice
+ \remove "Stem_engraver"
+ @}
+@}
+@end example
+
+However, in some transcription styles, stems are used
+occasionally, for example to indicate the transition from a
+single-tone recitative to a fixed melodic gesture. In these cases,
+one can use either @code{\override Stem #'transparent = ##t} or
+@code{\override Stem #'length = #0} instead, and restore the stem
+when needed with the corresponding @code{\once \override Stem
+#'transparent = ##f} (see example below).
+
+@b{Timing.} For unmetered chant, there are several alternatives.
+
+The Time_signature_engraver can be removed from the Staff context
+without any negative side effects. The alternative, to make it
+transparent, will leave an empty space in the score, since the
+invisible signature will still take up space.
+
+In many cases, @code{\set Score.timing = ##f} will give good
+results. Another alternative is to use \@code{\CadenzaOn} and
+@code{\CadenzaOff}.
+
+To remove the barlines, the radical approach is to @code{\remove}
+the Bar_engraver from the Staff context. Again, one may want to
+use @code{\override BarLine #'transparent = ##t} instead, if an
+occasional barline is wanted.
+
+A common type of transcription is recitativic chant where the
+repeated notes are indicated with a single breve. The text to
+the recitation tone can be dealt with in two different ways:
+either set as a single, left-aligned syllable:
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right]
+\include "gregorian.ly"
+chant = \relative c' {
+ \clef "G_8"
+ c\breve c4 b4 a c2 c4 \divisioMaior
+ c\breve c4 c f, f \finalis
+}
+
+verba = \lyricmode {
+ \once \override LyricText #'self-alignment-X = #-1
+ "Noctem quietam et" fi -- nem per -- fec -- tum
+ \once \override LyricText #'self-alignment-X = #-1
+ "concedat nobis Dominus" om -- ni -- po -- tens.
+}
+\score {
+ \new Staff <<
+ \new Voice = "melody" \chant
+ \new Lyrics = "one" \lyricsto melody \verba
+ >>
+ \layout {
+ \context {
+ \Staff
+ \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
+ \remove "Bar_engraver"
+ \override Stem #'transparent = ##t
+ }
+ }
+}
+@end lilypond
+
+This works fine, as long as the text doesn't span a line break. If
+that is the case, an alternative is to add hidden notes to the
+score, here in combination with changing stem visibility:
+
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,ragged-right]
+\include "gregorian.ly"
+chant = \relative c' {
+ \clef "G_8"
+ \set Score.timing = ##f
+ c\breve \override NoteHead #'transparent = ##t c c c c c
+ \revert NoteHead #'transparent
+ \override Stem #'transparent = ##f \stemUp c4 b4 a
+ \override Stem #'transparent = ##t c2 c4 \divisioMaior
+ c\breve \override NoteHead #'transparent = ##t c c c c c c c
+ \revert NoteHead #'transparent c4 c f, f \finalis
+}
+
+verba = \lyricmode {
+ No -- ctem qui -- e -- tam et fi -- nem per -- fec -- tum
+ con -- ce -- dat no -- bis Do -- mi -- nus om -- ni -- po -- tens.
+}
+
+\score {
+ \new Staff <<
+ \new Voice = "melody" \chant
+ \new Lyrics \lyricsto "melody" \verba
+ >>
+ \layout {
+ \context {
+ \Staff
+ \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
+ \override BarLine #'transparent = ##t
+ \override Stem #'transparent = ##t
+ }
+ }
+}
+@end lilypond
+
+Another common situation is transcription of neumatic or
+melismatic chants, i.e. chants with a varying number of notes
+to each syllable. In this case, one would want to set the
+syllable groups clearly apart, usually also the subdivisions of a
+longer melisma. One way to achieve this is to use a fixed
+@code{\time}, e.g. 1/4, and let each syllable or note group fill
+one of these measures, with the help of tuplets or shorter
+durations. If the barlines and all other rhythmical indications
+are made transparent, and the space around the barlines is
+increased, this will give a fairly good representation in modern
+notation of the original.
+
+To avoid that syllables of different width (such as @qq{-ri} and
+@qq{-rum}) spread the syllable note groups unevenly apart, the
+@code{#'X-extent} property of the @code{LyricText} object may be
+set to a fixed value. Another, more cumbersome way would be to
+add the syllables as @code{\markup} elements. If further
+adjustments are necessary, this can be easily done with
+@code{s} @q{notes}.
+
+@lilypond[verbatim,quote]
+spiritus = \relative c' {
+ \time 1/4
+ \override Lyrics.LyricText #'X-extent = #'(0 . 3)
+ d4 \times 2/3 { f8 a g } g a a4 g f8 e
+ d4 f8 g g8 d f g a g f4 g8 a a4 s
+ \times 2/3 { g8 f d } e f g a g4
+}
+
+spirLyr = \lyricmode {
+ Spi -- ri -- _ _ tus _ Do -- mi -- ni _ re -- ple -- _ vit _
+ or -- _ bem _ ter -- ra -- _ rum, al -- _ _ le -- _ lu
+ -- _ ia.
+}
+\score {
+ \new Staff <<
+ \new Voice = "chant" \spiritus
+ \new Lyrics = "one" \lyricsto "chant" \spirLyr
+ >>
+ \layout {
+ \context {
+ \Staff
+ \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
+ \override BarLine #'X-extent = #'(-1 . 1)
+ \override Stem #'transparent = ##t
+ \override Beam #'transparent = ##t
+ \override BarLine #'transparent = ##t
+ \override TupletNumber #'transparent = ##t
+ }
+ }
+}
+@end lilypond
+
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