Rhythmic modes

Rhythmic modes
(RITH-mik moedz)

A Medieval concept by which rhythmic patterns were regulated, chiefly applied to music of the 12th and 13th centuries. There were six modes which served as a basis for much of the Medieval polyphony.

Mode

Original Notation

Meaning

Poetic Symbols

Modern Equivalent

Mode I Rhythmic Mode I long-short Long poetic mark Short poetic mark Quarter note Eighth note

Mode II Rhythmic Mode II short-long

Mode III Rhythmic Mode III long-short-short Dotted quarter note

Mode IV Rhythmic Mode IV short-short-long Long poetic mark

Mode V Rhythmic Mode V long-long-long

Mode VI Rhythmic Mode VI short-short-short Short poetic mark Eighth note

Dictionary Home

Mode	Original Notation	Meaning	Poetic Symbols	Modern Equivalent
Mode I		long-short
Mode II		short-long
Mode III		long-short-short
Mode IV		short-short-long
Mode V		long-long-long
Mode VI		short-short-short