MeRIT: An interactive annotation tool for mensural rhythms

Abstract

We introduce MeRIT, the Mensural Rhythm Interpretation Tool, a client-side JavaScript tool that interprets the rhythmic notation of pre-modern polyphonic music using rules derived from contemporary theory. The interpretation derived from the tool is written in standards-compliant MEI, including details of the rules being applied at each point and a fine-grained metrical analysis. We discuss the importance of system modularity and different levels of evaluation and describe a user feedback system that we have implemented, supporting corrections, detailed introspection and evaluation and also pedagogical use, training musicians to read the notation. This user interaction is facilitated by a system architecture that provides an API encapsulation of the MEI interaction, giving annotations provided by the user and interpreter a common interface.