Hexachordum Naturale in Music
In music, a **hexachordum naturale** refers to a specific six-note series or scale. The term "hexachord" is used to describe a series of six pitches, typically with a pattern of whole-tone steps except for a semitone in the middle. The hexachordum naturale specifically consists of the pitches C, D, E, F, G, and A, with a semitone occurring between E and F.
During the Middle Ages, music was based on the hexachord system, which was defined by Guido of Arezzo. The hexachord system consisted of three overlapping hexachords: hexachordum naturale, hexachordum durum, and hexachordum molle. Each hexachord had a different arrangement of pitches and served as the basis for musical compositions during that time ).
It's important to note that the concept of hexachords is not commonly used in modern music theory, but it played a significant role in the development of musical scales and notation systems.
A scale of six notes discovered in the Middle Ages and used to teach theory. The six notes correspond to the first six notes of the modern major scale. There were three hexachords: hexachordum durum: The six-note scale based upon G, containing B-natural, called B durum. (G, A, B-natural, C, D, E) hexachordum naturale: The six-note scale based upon C, containing no B. (C, D, E, F, G, A) hexachordum molle: The six note scale based upon F, containing B-flat, called B molle. (F, G, A, B-flat, C, D)
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