Music IV

Notation
Sheet music is written representation of music. This is a homorhythmic (i.e.,
hymn-style) arrangement of a traditional piece entitled "Adeste Fideles", in
standard two-staff format for mixed voices. About this sound Play (helpinfo)
Notation is the written expression of music notes and rhythms on paper
using symbols. When music is written down, the pitches and rhythm of the
music is notated, along with instructions on how to perform the music (e.g.,
regarding the tempo). The study of how to read notation involves music
theory, harmony, the study of performance practice, and in some cases an
understanding of historical performance methods. Written notation varies
with style and period of music. Notated music is produced as sheet music. To
perform music from notation requires an understanding of both the rhythmic
and pitch elements embodied in the symbols and the performance practice
that is associated with a piece of music or a genre. In improvisation, the
performer often plays from music where only the chord changes and form of
the song are written, requiring a great understanding of the music's
structure, harmony and the styles of a particular genre (e.g., jazz or country
music).
In Western Art music, the most common types of written notation are scores,
which include all the music parts of an ensemble piece, and parts, which are
the music notation for the individual performers or singers. In popular music,
jazz, and blues, the standard musical notation is the lead sheet, which
notates the melody, chords, lyrics (if it is a vocal piece), and structure of the
music. Fake books are also used in jazz; they may consist of lead sheets or
simply chord charts, which permit rhythm section members to improvise an
accompaniment part to jazz songs. Scores and parts are also used in popular
music and jazz, particularly in large ensembles such as jazz "big bands." In
popular music, guitarists and electric bass players often read music notated
in tablature (often abbreviated as "tab"), which indicates the location of the
notes to be played on the instrument using a diagram of the guitar or bass
fingerboard. Tabulature was also used in the Baroque era to notate music for
the lute, a stringed, fretted instrument.