The Eight Gregorian Modes on the Cluny Capitals
Kathi Meyer
AMONG the sculptural remains of ancient abbey church at Cluny, finished around 1100, there are two capitals with representations eight scales—or modes, or tones—of Gregorian chant.1 Preserved four figures on one capital, and figure only second capital. These are: 1st mode—a man, seated, plucking strings a lute-like instrument (Fig. I); 2nd woman, in dancing movement, holding bell-shaped instruments 2); 3rd seated chair, his head inclined toward stringed which rests left knee 3); 4th position, carillon 4); 5th mode—destroyed; 6th before him table board; 7th mode—of upper part body, bent arm is recognizable; 8th mode—destroyed.2
Art Bulletin