Neume

A sample of the Kýrie Eléison (Orbis Factor) from the *Liber Usualis*.

A Neume is a way to write music. Neumes were mainly in the Middle Ages before the modern system of musical notation was developed. Sometimes they are also called neum in English. Neumes are different from modern notation:

There is no exact idea of how high or low tune should be sung; there are only indications.
Neumes do not show rhythm, extra symbols are used to show rhythm or intonation

Today, neumes are still used for some chants in Christian Churches, especially Catholic and Eastern Orthodox ones

References

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[1] Dom Gregory Sunol, Textbook of Gregorian Chant According to the Solesmes Method 2003 ISBN 0766172414, 9780766172418

[2] Chants of the Church

[3] Liber Usualis