View source for Micrologus

{{for|the medical work with this title|Ricardus Anglicus (medical writer)}}
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The '''''Micrologus''''' is a treatise on [[Medieval music]] written by [[Guido of Arezzo]], dating to approximately 1026.{{r|grove}} It was dedicated to [[Tedald, Bishop of Arezzo]]. This treatise outlines singing and teaching practice for [[Gregorian chant]], and has considerable discussion of the composition of polyphonic music.

This treatise discusses modified parallel [[organum]] as well as free organum. The examples given are in two voices, set note-against-note, and the voices are frequently permitted to [[voice crossing|cross]]. He advised against use of the [[perfect fifth]] and [[minor second]], favouring instead the [[major second]] and [[perfect fourth]] (though thirds were also permitted).

One point of importance is his guideline for the '''occursus''' (meaning "meeting" or "concurrence", running on the same path), which is a predecessor of the later [[cadence (music)|cadence]]. An occursus occurs where two voices approach a [[unison]]. He suggested that the unison should be approached either by [[contrary motion]] from a [[major third]], or [[oblique motion]] from a [[major second]].<ref>Hoppin, Richard H. ''Medieval Music''. Norton, 1978, pp. 194-195.</ref>

==References==
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<ref name=grove>Claude V. Palisca, Dolores Pesce (2001). [https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000011968 Guido of Arezzo [Aretinus&#93;: 2. Writings: (iii) Micrologus]. ''Grove Music Online''. Oxford: Oxford University Press. {{doi|10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.11968}}. {{subscription required}}.</ref>

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==External links==
*[https://archive.org/details/micrologusguido00hermgoog Micrologus Guidonis de disciplina artis musicae]

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[[Category:Medieval music manuscript sources]]


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