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The following is from Harvard Dictionary of Music 2nd Edit.

From the definition of 'Discant' (bold added):

[...] The ideal of contrary motion was mentioned in the 13th-century "Tractatus de Discantu" (in J.-A.-L. de la Fage, Essais, i, 358; CS i, 311) but became an essential characteristic of discant theory only at the end of the 13th century, when modal rhythm was replaced by mensural rhythm.

Full page of context:

page 263 of dictionary dirigent-discant

I've never heard these two terms: mensural and modal rhythm. Google gave nothing, neither did Britannica.

What do these two terms mean?

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    I unfortunately don't have the time to answer right now, but the phrases "rhythmic modes" and "mensural notation" may help guide you. – Richard Sep 05 '22 at 23:16
  • @Richard Thank you, rhytmic modes gave results, I edited the question thank you for the suggestion. –  Sep 05 '22 at 23:28
  • Did you read the referenced section "[Modes, rhythmic]"? – Aaron Sep 05 '22 at 23:36
  • Near the bottom of the first column: "but with the emphasis on strict measurement in modal rhythm [see **Modes, rhythmic**]." Did you look up "Modes, rhythmic" in the same dictionary? – phoog Sep 05 '22 at 23:37
  • @Aaron and phoog; yes there's a brief definition. Let me make you a copy paste: Modal rhytm: 'A rhythm based on the rhythmic modes.' But I really don't understand what this means (before opening the question) –  Sep 06 '22 at 00:12
  • Well, for certain the book's description isn't very helpful! – Aaron Sep 06 '22 at 00:13
  • @Aaron also from the same book: Modal rhythm: Not until shortly before 1200 did isometric rhythm become definitely established through the modal rhythm [see Modes, rhythmic] of the organa, clausulae, etc., of the school of Notre Dame. Credit for this important innovation must be ascribed to Leoninus. (and it goes on; it actually more or less answers the question). It's too long so I uploaded it https://ibb.co/m4yt338 –  Sep 06 '22 at 00:16
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    That seems like it would supply the basis for a good answer. In case you aren't already familiar, it's permitted to answer your own question. – Aaron Sep 06 '22 at 00:46
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    Orhan Torun: the link in your previous comment does not work for me. I join @Aaron in encouraging you to write an answer describing what you've found. – phoog Sep 06 '22 at 08:45
  • @Aaron I'll, as soon as I feel confident to provide one; I'm still working on that topic. –  Sep 06 '22 at 10:50

1 Answers1

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Modal rhythm used note linkage to indicate length. Various patterns of notes indicated how to play the following notes.

Mensural rhythm used note forms (minim, breve, semibreve, etc.); using like 2 semi-breves vs a breve to indicate binary rhythm and 3 semi-breves vs a breve to indicate ternary rhythm schemes.

These are well-described in Wikis and various music history books.

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