Rhythmic Modes Research Articles

LITERACY AND ORALITY IN THE SECULAR MUSIC OF THIRTEENTH CENTURY FRANCE: THE EVIDENCE OF THE «ADAM DE LA HALLE» MANUSCRIPT

Rhythm is one of the primary means by which we recognize cultures. I can distinguish the rhythmic profile of American English in the Babel of a crowded Paris M?tro, even if I can't understand the words. Conversations between people of different cultures can be fascinating to watch, as they struggle to attain a common physical rhythm of gesture and language cadence that will allow them to communicate. The music of a people is at once reflection, preserver and shaper of those rhythms. For me at least, the most poignant result of our continuing inability to reconstruct the rhythm of the music of the troubadours and trouv?res is our inability to enter into the rhythm of their lives. In beginning my own Odyssey into this much-travelled territory, I was baffled by the many eminent scholars who approach rhythm in medieval French secular repertoires by way of the language patterns and rhythmic theories of the clerical subculture whose primary language was Latin: to apply, for example, the rhythmic modes of classical Latin poetry or the theoretical precepts of Latin musical theorists to the musical settings of the vernacular poetry of the troubadours and trouv?res. (I should point out that our distinguished chairman, Prof. Hendrik van der Werf, was one of the earliest and most persistent voices against that practice.) I began to doubt my own image of two cultures, amicably intermingling but different in fundamental ways, each with its own characteristic musical style. For me, an essential first step became to examine whether there were, in fact, two contrasting musical styles reflecting the two contrasting cultures: one secular, no longer strictly ?oral? but placing a high value on the skills of oral discourse and memory, its life rhythms rooted in the

A Unique and Remarkable Trouvère Song

he poems and melodies of the trouveres, created ca. 1 17o-ca. 1300, are the central and largest corpus of medieval monophonic songs. Inspired by the southern troubadours, these northern French poet-singers in turn inspired song composition all over Western Europe for centuries. Among the about 2,000 trouvere lyrics which reach us with their melodies there are many which in one or several manuscripts appear in mensural notation. Others are in part or wholly incorporated in motets or conductus and thereby give 106 testimony to the fact that they are metrically conceived and that the melodies follow the so-called rhythmic modes, which inform the polyphonic music of the period. This they do often quite freely, mingling patterns of iambs, trochees, and tribrachs, of dactyls and trochees, switching from one rhythmic mode to another-as they do also with the melodic or Church modes.

Single-unit activity in bulbar reticular formation during food ingestion in chronic cats.

1. Single-unit activity was recorded from 215 neurons in the medial bulbar reticular formation during the masticatory sequence, from intake to deglutition, of 3 kinds of food (cat food pellets, canned fish, and milk) in 8 chronically prepared, unanesthetized, spontaneously respiring cats with their head fixed to a stereotaxic apparatus without pain or pressure. The firing patterns were compared to the simultaneously recorded EMGs of the jaw-closing and -opening muscles and to the jaw movement. 2. Fifty neurons changed their firing patterns during mastication. Nine neurons increased and one neuron decreased or stopped firing coincident with the masticatory sequence without an apparent rhythmical modulation of frequency corresponding with the masticatory rhythm (nonphasic group). The firing pattern of the remaining 40 neurons was modulated in phase with jaw movement (phasic group); 34 neurons either showed a spike burst or attained the highest firing frequency during the jaw-opening phase (opening type), while 6 neurons did so during the jaw-closing phase (closing type). The firing patterns of each neuron were essentially the same regardless of the kind of food ingested, except for 2 opening-type neurons that showed a rhythmical burst during mastication of solid food and tonic activity during lapping milk. 3. For 16 phasic neurons, there were significant correlations between some aspects of the firing pattern and a parameter of the movement during ingestion of solid food and/or milk. With one exception, these relationships did not appear to be due to sensory feedback. 4. We detected a monosynaptic excitatory projection from 3 opening-type neurons to the anterior digastric motoneurons, and monosynaptic inhibitory projections to the temporal or masseter motoneurons from 3 other opening-type neurons, by spike-triggered averaging of the full-wave rectified EMG of the jaw-closing and -opening muscles. No monosynaptic projections from the closing-type neurons or nonphasic group neurons to either jaw-opener or -closer motoneurons were detected. 5. The instantaneous firing frequency of all 3 inhibitor premotor neurons was positively correlated with the opening velocity, and the firing of 2 was also related to the jaw displacement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Phase-linked modulation of excitability of presynaptic terminals of low-threshold afferent fibers in the inferior alveolar nerve during cortically induced fictive mastication in the guinea pig

Excitability of presynaptic terminals of low-threshold primary afferent fibers in the inferior alveolar nerve was tested in the trigeminal spinal nucleus of the ketamine-anesthetized, paralyzed guinea pig, by Wall's method. Fictive mastication was induced by repetitive stimulation of the cortical masticatory area, and was monitored by rhythmical burst activity in the jaw-opening anterior digastric motoneuron pool. The excitability was rhythmically modulated in a phase-linked manner during the masticatory cycle: it was decreased coincidentally with the digastric burst activity (jaw-opening phase) and increased during the middle and late periods of the interburst phase (jaw-closing phase) of the masticatory cycle. The results imply that presynaptic modulation of synaptic transmission of peripheral inputs from primary afferents to interneurons in the jaw-opening reflex pathway may contribute to the rhythmical modulation of the jaw-opening reflex evoked by innocuous stimulation of the intraoral structures during mastication; presynaptic inhibition contributing to the depression of the jaw-opening reflex during the jaw-closing phase and presynaptic facilitation to its enhancement during the jaw-opening phase.

L' equipollentia dans l'écriture pré-franconienne : pourquoi ? comment ?

In the notation based on the rhythmic modes, one remarks that the repetition of the modal cell is not always regular, the longae and breves sometimes being converted in smaller values (equipollentia), or conversely re-grouped into longer durations (extensio modi, according to W. Apel). The object of this study is a statistical examination of these irregularities in the vocal parts of 20 motets in the first rhythmic mode selected from the Bamberg manuscript. We will attempt to determine the causes of the equipollentia : the desire for diversity, the reconstruction insofar as possible of conjunct melodie motions, and the care to ornament (thus provoking a duplication of the formulae and their simultaneity between the voices). Not related to figuralism, the equipollentia does not threaten the mode's existence. It is most widely employed in the trochaic mode.

Activity of cerebellar Purkinje cells during fictitious scratch reflex in the cat

The activity of Purkinje cells (PCs) was recorded in the anterior lobe (the vermis and pars intermedia) and in the paramedian lobule of the cerebellum during the fictitious scratch reflex in thalamic cats immobilized with Flaxedil. In the anterior lobe, the activity of many PCs was rhythmically modulated in relation to the scratch cycle: they generated bursts of impulses separated by periods of silence. Different PCs were active in different phases of the scratch cycle. In many cases the discharge modulation was irregular: the burst duration and the discharge rate in the burst varied considerably in subsequent cycles. The rhythmical activity of PCs was determined by modulation of the frequency of ‘simple spikes’ reflecting the mossy fiber input. Generation of ‘complex spikes’ reflecting the climbing fiber input in most PCs was not related with the scratch rhythm. In the paramedian lobule, rhythmical modulation of PCs was practically absent. Rhythmical modulation of PCs in immobilized cats is determined by signals coming from the central spinal mechanism of scratching via the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) and the spinoreticulocerebellar pathway (SRCP) 6.7. Results of separate transections of these pathways demonstrated that the VSCT plays the crucial role in modulating the PCs.

Effects of dynamic and static neck suction on muscle nerve sympathetic activity, heart rate and blood pressure in man.

1. Recordings of vasoconstrictor sympathetic activity in peroneal muscle fascicles, blood pressure, and heart rate were made in twelve subjects while stimulating carotid sinus receptors by continuous or sinusoidal (cycle durations 7.5, 15 and 30 sec) neck suction. Neural activity, quantified by counting the number of pulse synchronous sympathetic bursts (burst incidence), was correlated to the pressure sensed by carotid sinus receptors (= calculated diastolic transmural carotid pressure) and to pressure sensed by arterial baroreceptors not located in the neck (= diastolic blood pressure). 2. Sinusoidal neck suction induced rhythmical modulation of sympathetic activity which became less noticeable with increasing modulation of sympathetic activity which became less noticeable with increasing cycle duration. Static suction led to a non-significant reduction of sympathetic burst incidence. 3. With sinusoidal stimuli the amplitude of the transmural carotid pressure variations were maximal at a cycle duration of 7.5 sec and decreased successively at cycles of 15 and 30 sec. Amplitudes of induces variations in R-R intervals in the e.c.g. changed in a similar way but in contrast induced variations in diastolic blood pressure were minimal at a cycle duration of 7.5 sec and maximal at 15 sec. It is suggested that the main rate limiting factors for the blood pressure responses is the sluggishness of the peripheral vascular beds. 4. Sinusoidal neck suction always prolonged mean R-R interval. This stimulus increased mean burst incidence in subjects with few bursts at rest and decreased burst incidence in subjects with many bursts at rest. These changes of burst incidence were linearly related to the increases of R-R intervals. The findings demonstrate interindividual differences in balance between cardiac and peripheral vasoconstrictor responses to changes of baroreceptor activity. 5. It is concluded that fast changes in carotid sinus pressure effectively modulate sympathetic outflow to the muscles and thereby contribute to transient compensatory blood pressure responses. Static blood pressure control, on the other hand, probably depends more on baroreceptor control over the effector organs.

Activity of neurons of cerebellar nuclei during fictitious scratch reflex in the cat. I. Fastigial nucleus

The activity of neurons located in the rostral part of the fastigial nucleus was recorded during the fictitious scratch reflex in thalamic cats immobilized with Flaxedil. The activity of most of the neurons was rhythmically modulated in relation to the scratch cycle: they generated bursts of impulses separated by periods of silence or, in a few cases, by periods of reduced activity. The discharge pattern of neurons was usually the same during both ipsilateral and contralateral scratch reflex: in both cases their maximum activity could be observed in the extensor phase of the scratch cycle. Rhythmical modulation of fastigial neurons is determined by signals coming from the central spinal mechanism, generating rhythmical oscillations, via the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) and the spinoreticulo-cerebellar pathway (SRCP). Results of separate transections of these pathways suggest that the SRCP determines the periodical excitationm of fastigial neurons and the VSCT their periodical inhibition.

Activity of neurons of cerebellar nuclei during fictitious scratch reflex in the cat. II. Interpositus and lateral nuclei

The activity of neurons of the interpositus and lateral cerebellar nuclei was recorded during fictitious scratch reflex in thalamic cats immobilized with Flaxedil. Interpositus neurons were identified by antidromic response to stimulation of the contralateral red nucleus. The interpositus neurons responding to passive movements of the ipsilateral hindlimb manifested rhythmical modulation of the discharge in relation with the scratch cycle. The neurons generated bursts of impulses separated by periods of silence. Different neurons were active in different parts of the scratch cycle, but most of them were active in the second half of the flexor phase. When the scratch reflex was evoked on the contralateral side, rhythmical modulation was observed in about half of the neurons, and it was less pronounced than in the case of ipsilateral scratching. Rhythmical modulation of cerebellar neurons during fictitious scratching is determined by signals coming from the central spinal mechanism, generating rhythmical oscillations, via the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) and the spinoreticulocerebellar pathway (SRCP). Results of separate transections of these pathways showed that the VSCT plays the crucial role in modulating interpositus neurons. Neurons of the lateral nucleus exhibited no modulation during fictitious scratching.

Messages conveyed by descending tracts during scratching in the cat. II. Activity of rubrospinal neurons

1) The activity of rubrospinal (RS) neurons giving axons to the lumbosacral spinal cord was recorded during actual and fictitious 8 scratching in thalamic cats. (2) During both actual and fictitious scratching, the discharge frequency of many RS neurons was rhythmically modulated. Different neurons were active in different parts of the scratch cycle, but most neurons were active in the flexor phase. (3) The discharge frequency within the bursts during fictitious scratching was, on the average, equal to that during actual scratching. Immobilization usually resulted only in a small displacement of the burst position in the scratch cycle. Therefore, rhythmical modulation of RS neurons is determined mainly by central mechanisms and not by a rhythmical sensory input. (4) In decerebellate cats, the overwhelming majority of RS neurons had no rhythmical modulation. Very weak modulation was found only in a few neurons. (5) Transection of the ventral spinocerebellar tract (XSCT) resulted in considerable reduction or complete cessation of rhythmical modulation in RS neurons during fictitious scratching. On the contrary, transection of the spino-reticulocerebellar pathway (SRCP) resulted in just a small decrease of modulation. Therefore, of the two pathways (the VSCT and SRCP) transmitting messages about intraspinal processes to the cerebellar during scratching 2,3, the VSCT is of major importance for modulating RS neurons.

Messages conveyed by descending tracts during scratching in the cat. I. Activity of vestibulospinal neurons

(1) The activity of vestibulospinal (VS) neurons giving axons to the lumbosacral spinal cord was recorded during scratching in thalamic and decerebrate cats. The most part of the experiments was carried out on curarized cats, in which fictitious scratching 13, i.e. rhythmical activity of motoneurons typical of actual scratching, was evoked. (2) During both actual and fictitious scratching, the discharge frequency of many VS neurons was rhythmically modulated in relation to the scratch cycle. Most modulated neurons were maximally active in the extensor phase of the cycle. (3) The firing pattern of VS neurons during fictitious scratching was similar to that during actual scratching. Therefore, rhythmical modulation of VS neurons is determined mainly by central mechanisms and not by a rhythmical sensory input. (4) In decerebellate cats, rhythmical modulation was not found during either actual or fictitious scratching. (5) Transection of the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) resulted in considerable reduction of rhythmical modulation of VS neurons during fititious scratching, while transection of the spino-reticulocerebellar pathways (SRCP) resulted in just a small decrease of modulation. Therefore, of the two pathways (VSCT and SRCP) transmitting messages about intraspinal processes to the cerebellum during scratching 6,7, the VSCT is of major importance for modulating VS neurons.

Messages conveyed by spinocerebellar pathways during scratching in the cat. I. Activity of neurons of the lateral reticular nucleus

(1) Signals transmitted to the cerebellum by the spino-reticulocerebellar pathway (SRCP) during scratching were studied. For this purpose, the activity of neurons of the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN), which are the last-order neurons of the SRCP, was recorded during scratching in thalamic cats. Scratching was evoked by stimulation of the pinna. LRN neurons were identified antidromically by stimulation of the hindlimb area in the cerebellar anterior lobe. In most experiments, animals were immobilized with Flaxedil, and stimulation of the pinna resulted in fictitious scratching 16, i.e., in periodical reciprocal activity of flexor and extensor motoneurons typical of actual scratching. (2) During both actual and fictitious scratching, the discharge frequency of LRN neurons was rhythmically modulated in relation with the scratch cycle. Most LRN neurons fired in short high-frequency bursts of spikes which coincided (completely or partly) with the extensor phase of the cycle. In this respect the SRCP differs from the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) which is maximally active in the flexor phase of the cycle 7. (3) The firing pattern of LRN neurons during fictitious scratching was similar to that during actual scratching. Therefore, the rhythmical burst firing of LRN neurons is determined mainly by the central mechanisms and not by the rhythmical sensory input. (4) Rhythmical modulation of LRN neurons disappeared after transection of the ipsilateral lateral funiculus of the spinal cord in which spinoreticular fibers are located. On the other hand, considerable reduction of rhythmical activity in descending brainstem-spinal pathways after contralateral hemisection of the spinal cord did not affect the discharge pattern of LRN neurons. These two facts indicate that the SRCP conveys mainly messages about activity of the central spinal mechanisms, and that influences of supraspinal motor centers on LRN neurons and on spinoreticular neurons are of minor importance. (5) Axonal terminations of LRN neurons are distributed rather evenly over the hindlimb area in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. Therefore, messages about the events, which happen within the spinal cord in the vicinity of the extensor phase of the cycle, arrive at every point of the hindlimb area.

Elmuahym and elmuarifa

These two terms, which occur in the late thirteenth-century Anonymus IV treatise (De mensuris et discantu), have often been cited as evidence of Arab musical influence in Western Europe: either in connexion with developments in melodic style, since they are identified as currentes, or, perhaps more ambitiously, in support of the contention that the emergence of mensural music in Western Europe was prompted by contact with Arab musical practice, which had long possessed a complex system of rhythmic modes

The Rhythmic Modes and Medieval Latin Drama

Research Article| July 01 1961 The Rhythmic Modes and Medieval Latin Drama Rembert Weakland Rembert Weakland Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Journal of the American Musicological Society (1961) 14 (2): 131–146. https://doi.org/10.2307/829752 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Rembert Weakland; The Rhythmic Modes and Medieval Latin Drama. Journal of the American Musicological Society 1 July 1961; 14 (2): 131–146. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/829752 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentJournal of the American Musicological Society Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 1961 The American Musicological Society Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

The Rhythmic Modes and Medieval Latin Drama

The Rhythmic Modes and Medieval Latin Drama

Discantus, Copula, Organum

system of rhythmic modes, attributed to the Notre Dame composers, Leonin and Perotin, is a moment of inestimable importance in the development of Western music, for the establishment of a rational system of rhythm with its concomitant notation revealed new possibilities of musical growth. The possibilities were soon realized, and the 13th century saw the gradual dissolution of the modal system and its replacement by the mensural system of Franco of Cologne. To keep pace with these manifold activities the theorists of music were forced to turn their attention from