prolatio

music

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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In music, prolation refers to the relationship between the semibreve and the minim in mensural notation. This system of musical notation was used in Europe from around 1260 to 1600.

There are two types of prolation:
* Major prolation: The semibreve is divided into three minims.
* Minor prolation: The semibreve is divided into two minims.

Mensural notation allowed for the notation of complex rhythms, evolving from earlier systems and reaching its peak after 1450. It was based on a fundamental musical pulse and divisions of time, including modus (longa into breves), tempus (breve into semibreves), and prolatio (semibreve into minims).12

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mensural notation
…or three semibreves (𝆺); and prolatio, division of the semibreve into two or three minima (𝆺𝅥). Time signatures (q.v.) showed tempus and prolatio. Coloration, at first red, then white, notes (such as , 𝅆, 𝆹, ) indicated specific changes in
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…or three semibreves (𝆺); and prolatio, division of the semibreve into two or three minima (𝆺𝅥). Time signatures (q.v.) showed tempus and prolatio. Coloration, at first red, then white, notes (such as , 𝅆, 𝆹, ) indicated specific changes in
Read More