Rhythmic mode

The Modalnotation is a system for notation of polyphonic music, during the so-called Notre -Dame- era in the 12th century to the early 13th century was common in Western Europe and has evolved from the square notation.

In the history of European music, the Modalnotation was the first system, which made it possible to set rhythms to define thus a fixed sequence of long and short note values. In contrast to the unanimous music, like Gregorian chant, is a fixed rhythmic sequence, a prerequisite for verschriftlichen polyphonic music comprehensible.

Unlike in modern notation but no individual note values ​​could still be shown. The Modalnotation rather based on six different rhythmic formulas ( modes) that are repeated over and over in the course of a piece. The based on the regular repetition of these modes rhythm is called Modalrhythmik. One also speaks of Modalrhythmus. The regular repetition of rhythmic units allowed for a special notation that Modalnotation.

Were shown the six modes as a result of ligatures ( connected by a bar marks ) and single notes. The pattern of the sequence of ligatures and single notes described the mode in which the piece should be sung.

Beginning of the 13th century sparked the mensural notation, which made it possible to represent considerably more sophisticated rhythms that Modalnotation from.