Znamenny Musical Notation

Neumatic notation, also known as Kryuki notation, is a system for writing liturgical chants used in the Russian Orthodox Church since the 9th century. The shape of the symbols resembles either hooks or banners, hence its name. However, in the 17th century, it was gradually replaced by a more convenient system and lost its significance.

Neumatic notation belongs to the category of non-mensural notation. Instead of traditional musical notes on a five-line staff, it uses neumes, which don't indicate precise duration or pitch. They are closely connected to the liturgical text and serve as a reminder of how each specific syllable should be sung. Therefore, it looks more like a script for writing down the singing style rather than a full musical alphabet.

Similar methods of notation for liturgical chants existed in many Western European countries, as well as in Byzantium, and later it travelled to Orthodox Russia.

The symbols of neumatic notation were depicted in different colors: red and black. With the invention of printing, this characteristic had to be abandoned, and instead, 「accents」 were introduced.