Mensural notation

Mensural notation is a system of musical notation used from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance to indicate rhythm and pitch in vocal and instrumental music. It represented note values such as whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes with specific shapes and symbols, allowing composers to convey complex rhythms. Unlike earlier systems, mensural notation included a way to show different metrics and time signatures, enabling musicians to perform intricate polyphonic music more accurately. This system laid the groundwork for modern musical notation, influencing how music is written and read today.