Pronunciation: [njˈuːm] (IPA) 
The word "neume" is often spelled with the letters "n-e-u-m-e", but its pronunciation is a bit different. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is pronounced as /njuːm/ (or NOOM). The first letter "n" sounds like the letter "en". The second letter "u" is pronounced with a long "u" sound. The third letter "e" is pronounced like the second letter, with a long "u" sound. The final letter "m" sounds like the letter "em".
A neume refers to a musical notation used in chant, particularly in Gregorian chant, to indicate the melodic contour of a vocal line. It is a graphical symbol that represents a specific musical pitch or group of pitches and their relative durations. Neumes were primarily used during the Medieval period, from the 9th to the 13th centuries, and played a vital role in early Christian and liturgical music.
The word "neume" is derived from the Greek word "pneuma," which means "breath" or "spirit." This connection to breath is significant, as neumes were originally designed to guide the singers in their vocal performance by indicating changes in pitch and phrasing. The visual representation of neumes varied throughout different regions and time periods, ranging from simple symbols indicating only general pitch contours to more complex notations that provide precise melodic information.
Neumes typically appear as small, connected marks or strokes, written above the lyrics of a chant. They allow performers to interpret the chant's melodic shape, emphasizing the rise and fall of notes, ornamentation, and musical phrases. Although not as specific as modern musical notation, neumes provide an essential guide for singers to ensure musical accuracy and interpretation.
In the modern context, neumes are studied primarily by musicologists and researchers, and their significance has been largely replaced by more detailed musical notation systems. However, they still hold historical and cultural importance as evidence of the musical practices and artistic developments of early Western music.
The word "neume" has its roots in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα), which means "breath" or "wind". In the context of music, neumes were signs or symbols used to represent musical pitches and rhythms in Medieval musical notation. The term "neume" was first introduced in the 17th century to describe these musical symbols, and it has been used in musicological studies ever since.
