The beginnings of music-writing in the west: Historical and semiotic aspects
Leo Treitler
The earliest systems of European musical notation were Carolingian inventions, accomplished, like the Miniscule hand and full array punctuation signs, as products a concentrated drive toward an augmented role for writing reading that was energized directed from centers political power. To us is autonomous sign-system sufficiently capable encoding essential sound features works so texts (scores) both convey structures qualities such works—in effect, stand works—and constitute prescriptive programs their performance. Initially notations conceived in neither sense. They marks added to language texts, serve guides oral performance; respect function further refinement specialization signs. That repertory notational signs substantially adaptation obverse side functional continuity. which are principally scriptural, performed within ritual practice Roman church, had reference oral-formulaic melodic tradition performance those texts. But it at least two generations before one began think them sense system notation; radically new way thinking engendered fundamental changes nature its signification.
Language & Communication