In general we consider signs for themselves as obvious. But think again, many aspects need to be considered. A treble- or a bass-clef change the meaning of a note dramatically.

In this video Angelika Moths reveals the arbitrary nature of certain aspects we might consider self-evident. She explains tempo words, articulation signs, metronome indications. Not only the notes have their history, but also the silences and performance hints as pizzicato or dynamics. As we consider the dynamics, it becomes obvious that not only the context is important but also the relativeness.

Looking at the score we can learn a lot about the history of music, about the history of musical practice. And we can learn about the way that we read music.

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