The scoring-up script converts a Mensural MEI file encoding the music in parts (by using the MEI <parts> element) into a Mensural MEI file that encodes the piece as a score (using the MEI <score> element) with the voices lined up. The alignment of the parts is a complex issue in mensural notation, since the same note-shape can have different durational values (perfect / imperfect / altered) depending on the context.
This scoring-up script consists of a merge module and a set of duration-finder modules. The merge module converts the <parts>-based MEI representation into a <score>-based MEI representation, moving the <staffDef> and <staff> elements into the right place within the <score> element. Even though the resulting file uses a <score> element, voices are not aligned yet. Because of this, we refer to the merge module output MEI file as a quasiscore representation. The set of duration-finder modules deal with the context-dependent nature of the notation to determine the durational value of the notes according to different styles of mensural notation (namely, Ars antiqua, Ars nova, and white mensural notation). Currently, there are two duration-finder modules:
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The ArsNova_and_WhiteMensural module deals with the context-dependent nature of the notation by implementing the principles of imperfection and alteration—outlined by Franco of Cologne (ca. 1280) and Willi Apel. It also includes functions for: distinguishing between dots of division and dots of augmentation, handling hemiola coloration, dealing with the simultaneous use of perfect mensurations at different note levels. A newly introduced feature is the capability of dealing with changes of mensuration within a voice.
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The ArsAntiqua module handles Franconian notation, interpreting groups of semibreves as pointed out by Franco's Ars cantus mensurabilis (ca. 1280) for ternary and binary division of the breve. It also supports repeating tenors, expanding the set of notes of the repeated tenor in the score representation.
The mensural scoring-up tool presented in this repository is meant to be used within the Measuring Polyphony Editor (MP-Editor). The code contained in this repository is a re-implementation of the Python Scoring-up script into JavaScript so that it could be easily integrated into a web app.
The MP-Editor is used to enter the notes in the systems of each of the parts/voices of a mensural piece, which can be exported into a Mensural MEI parts-based file (an MEI file encoding mensural notation in <parts>). One can also request the MP-Editor to line up the entered parts into a score, for which the MP-Editor will call this scoring-up script to provide the user with the score. The resulting score can be exported into a Mensural MEI score-based file (an MEI file encoding mensural notation in <score>). Moreover, this score can also be edited within the MP-Editor, allowing for editorial corrections of scribal errors. The scholar edition can also be exported as a Mensural MEI file, in both parts-based and score-based flavors.
You can check the MP-Editor online and start transcribing mensural music. For tutorial videos, check this publication.
For more details regarding the algorithm behind the scoring-up tool, especially regarding the implementation of the principles of imperfection and alteration, distinction of dot functionality, and performance, please consult The Mensural Scoring-up Tool. Ars antiqua was a later addition to the scoring-up tool, and it is not mentioned in this publication.
You can also consult Automatic Scoring Up of Mensural Music Using Perfect Mensurations, 1300–1550 (MA thesis).
For details about the MP-Editor, please consult Next Steps for Measuring Polyphony – A Prototype Editor for Encoding Mensural Music.