How Do You Spell PROLATION?

Pronunciation: [pɹəlˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Prolation (/proʊˈleɪʃən/) is a word used in musicology to describe the duration of notes relative to each other. It can also refer to the way in which music is sung or played, especially in relation to rhythm. The word is spelled with the letter "o" followed by "la" and "tion" at the end. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription helps to understand the correct pronunciation of the word.

PROLATION Meaning and Definition

1. Prolation is a term commonly used in music theory and notation to refer to the subdivision and duration of musical time within a measure. It specifically relates to the way musical notes are divided and organized rhythmically. The concept of prolation is closely connected to the mensural notation system that was developed during the medieval and Renaissance periods.

   In mensural notation, time signatures were not standardized as they are in modern music. Instead, prolation played a crucial role in determining the rhythmic structure of a piece. Prolation refers to the subdivision of a measure into smaller units, typically referred to as tempus and prolatio.

   Tempus divides a measure into three equal parts, while prolatio further subdivides each tempus into three equal beats. This hierarchical system of division allows for precise rhythmic notations and accurate performance of complex polyphonic compositions.

   Prolation can be indicated through various notational signs, symbols, or mensuration signs that may modify the note values or provide additional instructions to performers. By defining the subdivisions of musical time, prolation helps ensure the synchronization of multiple voices or instrumental parts within a composition.

   Overall, prolation is a term that encompasses rhythmic concepts and techniques that were prevalent in medieval and Renaissance music. It serves as an important aspect of understanding and interpreting the rhythmic intricacies of music from these periods.

Common Misspellings for PROLATION

• prolatin
• prolasion
• orolation
• lrolation
• -rolation
• 0rolation
• peolation
• pdolation
• pfolation
• ptolation
• p5olation
• p4olation
• prilation
• prklation
• prllation
• prplation
• pr0lation
• pr9lation
• prokation
• prolztion

Etymology of PROLATION

The word "prolation" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "prolatio", which means "prolongation" or "extension". "Prolatio" is derived from the verb "proferre", meaning "to bring forth" or "to prolong". In medieval Latin, "prolatio" was specifically used in the context of music to refer to the lengthening or stretching of musical notes during performance. Over time, the term "prolation" gained broader usage and came to denote the rhythmic aspect of music related to the duration and grouping of notes.

Plural form of PROLATION is PROLATIONS