Byzantine neumatic notation

Byzantine neumatic notation refers to a system of musical signs used in the Byzantine Empire for liturgical chant. Documents with this notation date back to the 10th century. Early forms, called ecphonetic notation, were based on Greek grammatical accents and offered only general indications of voice movement.1

Later, Middle Byzantine notation, developed in the late 12th century, became more precise. These signs, known as neumes, did not indicate exact pitch but rather the musical interval from the previous note. Pitch and duration were guided by reference to known melodies. This system, with modifications, is still used in Greek Orthodox liturgical music today. The notation is distinct from Western European neumes and ancient Greek music.12