Singing in churches has been a form of worship for many centuries. During the Medieval period a new type of harmony-singing accompanied by an organ emerged. This was called organum, a form of singing in three-part harmony. Organum became so popular that a new method of teaching choirs to sing became necessary. One such invention was made by Guido de Arezzo. Who was Guido de Arezzo?
UT queant laxis
REsonare fibris
MIra gestorum
FAmuli tuorum
SOLve polluti
LAbii reatum
In time "do" was used instead of "ut" and "ti" was added.
Ever the inventor and teacher, Guido had another invention that would help choirs sight-sing. This invention is called the Guidonian Hand wherein a note is assigned to each fingertip, joint and knuckle of one hand. Look at the accompanying illustration for reference.
