GREGORIAN SEMIOLOGY

Gregorian semiology is the applied science which aims at disclosing the meaning of neumes for the interpretation of the Gregorian compositions. Semiology uses the insights of musical paleography; beyond the paleographic methods and scope semiology aims at questions of an esthetical and practical nature. It is using the oldest manuscripts as they offer the most diverse and nuanced information with regard to the rhythmical interpretation and the word-melody relationship in Gregorian chant.

Neumes are the handwritten signs which, from the 9^th century, convey information on – first – the rhythmical and later the melodic arrangement of Gregorian chant. Gregorian semiology, among other things, proves that the Gregorian rhythm does not follow any metric criteria but rather is entirely word-generated and it shows the unique symbiosis of text and melody characterizing that repertoire.