Published two years apart, the work of musicologist Heinrich Husmann on the music of the Syriac Orthodox Church remains a unique contribution to the liturgical study of that tradition. The first volume of this set is a study of the melodies of the weekly breviaries (shhimo), arranged by the canonical hours of the days of the week. These studies are according to the offices as sung by Mor Cyril (Qorillos) Jacob, then Metropolitan of Damascus. The second volume contains the qole shahroye or vigils, recorded by Mor Jacob’s brother, Malphono Asmar Khouri. The vigils, in eight modes, are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the saints, penitence, and the departed. Together these studies offer rare insight into the under-studied field of Syriac liturgical music by a scholar who had an abiding interest in the music and practice of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Bound together for convenience, this liturgical set is hardbound for durability.

Heinrich Husmann (1908-1983) was an eminent musicologist. He studied at the University of Göttingen and later returned to teach. He was invited to teach at Princeton University by Oliver Strunk. His specialization was Medieval music and the music of the Notre Dame school.