How Do You Spell NEUM?
Pronunciation: [nˈiːəm] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "neum" is [nˈiːəm], [nˈiːəm], [n_ˈiː__ə_m] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [nˈiːəm] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "neum" is [nˈiːəm], [nˈiːəm], [n_ˈiː__ə_m] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
A neum is a term primarily used in the field of musicology to refer to a symbolic notation system that was employed during the medieval period to represent melodies in plainchant. Derived from the Greek word "pneuma," which means breath or breath of sound, a neum is a small symbol or sign used to indicate the shape, pitch, and duration of each tone or note within a chant.
Neums were typically written on a single line or space and did not represent specific pitches, but instead served as a guide for the direction of the melody. They were initially developed around the 9th century as a way to preserve and transmit musical knowledge orally, aiding in the memorization of liturgical chants within monastic communities.
These symbols were created using a combination of dots, lines, and curves, each representing a specific vocal gesture or ornamentation. Although they lacked precision compared to modern musical notation, neums provided flexibility and allowed for expressive renditions of plainchant.
The study and interpretation of neums is known as neumatic notation or neumatic paleography. Understanding this system is crucial for accurately performing and reconstructing medieval plainchant. Neums constitute an important part of the historical development of musical notation, connecting modern music with its ancient roots and capturing the nuanced variations and melodic structures of a bygone era.
The word "neum" is derived from the Greek word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα). In Greek, "pneuma" originally meant "breath" or "wind". It was later used to refer to spiritual or divine influence, as well as the soul. The term was adopted into Latin as "pneuma" and then evolved into "neuma" in Medieval Latin. In the context of music, "neum" refers to a series of musical notes used in Gregorian chant, dating back to the Medieval period.
