2. Music Notation

The development of music notation was absolutely critical to the rise of music that used more than just one melody. Everything that has developed in Western music after 1040 CE—from music of many independent voices (polyphonic), to solo voices with keyboard or group accompaniments, to the popular music we enjoy today—grew from this development. Though modern scholars have found examples of written musical symbols as far back as 900 CE, the staff notation system developed by Guido of Arezzo and others who followed him allowed for the accurate preservation and distribution of music. Music notation also greatly contributed to the growth, development, and evolution of the many musical styles over the past one thousand years.

Because of his contributions to the development of music notation, Guido of Arezzo is arguably the most important figure in the development of written music in the Western world. He developed a system of lines and spaces that enabled musicians to notate the specific notes in a melody. The development of music notation made it possible for composers to notate their music accurately, allowing others to perform the music exactly the way each composer intended. This ability allowed polyphonic (many voiced) music to evolve rapidly after 1040 CE.

The video below explains Guido’s contributions in more detail.

Ex. 1.4: Guido of Arezzo

The popularity of staff notation after Guido paved the way for the development of a method to notate rhythm. The system of notation we use today in Western music has evolved over many years. To understand how music is notated, we can start with pitch notation and rhythmic notation, then continue on to dynamic and articulation markings, music expressions, and more.

Here are some examples of music notations (or scores) for instruments, voices, and various combinations: solo piano; three voices with piano; violin with piano; and orchestra.