MNX specification > Infrastructure > Notational concepts

Notational concepts

This page defines various notational terms used by this specification.

Metrical position

Most notated events possess a well-defined metrical position, giving a time onset expressed as a rational number of whole note durations after the start of its containing measure. This position may be thought of as the event’s "address" and plays a determining role in the normative rendering and performance of events.

Score order and performance order

Score order is the order in which measures are visually presented to a reader. This is distinct from performance order, which is the order in which the measures are played by a performer.

For example, score order and performance order would be different in the case of a repeat or "D.S. al Coda" jump.