Greek Vocal Notation Symbol 12

It marks a pitch in ancient Greek vocal music. The label “vocal second sharp of A” names the third sign in the vocal A group.

Each group paired a base pitch with two altered forms; A through G are modern scholarly labels for the groups. “First” and “second” number places in this system, not modern semitone changes or a double-sharp. The letter-like forms were adapted from the Greek alphabet by rotating, reflecting, or reshaping them; a separate sign series served instrumental music.

Where did ancient Greek notation appear?

It appeared above words sung in ancient scores. Manuscripts from Egypt under Greek and Roman rule show vocal signs above sung syllables. Surviving fragments include a chorus from Euripides’ tragedy Orestes and, centuries later, a Christian hymn found at Oxyrhynchus in Egypt.

The earliest preserved written music using this system dates to the middle of the third century BCE, when the notation was already organized. Much of its sign list survives in a handbook by Alypius, a late-antique writer who paired signs with pitch names; modern editions and studies of ancient music use these characters.