Musica enchiriadis (treatise, ca 900) help!?

[lagin]

Okay guys, I need a couple sentences about Musica enchiriadis (treatise, ca 900).  I tried googling it, and found it referred to many times, but not explained in and of itself.  Mind you I didn't spend oodles of time on it.  From what I could gather, it relates to notation during the time polyphony was created.  But if any of you off hand know for sure what it's regarding, me and my exam that's in 2 weeks would be most appreciative.  Thanks in advace.  m1469?  You helped me out with my other random Medieval piece.  Have any more information for me?

[lagin]

Bernard, m1469, someone!!! 

[m1469]

Hi, lagin,

I didn't know this thread existed until just now... (sorry)

An anonymous treatise, the Musica enchiriadis (Music Handbook), together with a dialogue associated with it, the Scolica enchiridis (Excerpts from Handbooks), are the earliest texts clearly describing and illustrating music composed for more than one vocal part.  They were written in the late nineteenth century and are most known for their descriptions of organum, though they also include the oldest notated forms of chant melodies, more developed theory of the modes than found in other writings of the time, information about performance practice, and more.  An interesting aspect of these texts is that they clearly refer to a practice already in use, not a new one being proposed.

Hope that helps,

m1469




ps- just for the record, and because I deeply respect my friend, "whynot" is the one who helped you with your random Medieval piece, not me (though I would have been more than happy to if I could have).

[lagin]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
and correction noted.  THANK YOU to whynot for last time

[m1469]

You're welcome 

m1469

[bernhard]

 They were written in the late nineteenth century...

I believe you meant to say ninth century.

[m1469]

I believe you meant to say ninth century.

he he... *hears Bernhard coming, gives a little cricket chirp* and scurries back behind the bookshelf, barely escaping the frog on her way to hide...