class(optional)Contains one or more URIs which denote classification terms that apply to the entity
bearing this attribute.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
corresp(optional)Used to point to other elements that correspond to this one in a generic
fashion.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
follows(optional)points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
predecessors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
label(optional)Captures text to be used to generate a label for the element to which it’s attached,
a
"tool tip" or prefatory text, for example. Should not be used to record document
content.
Value is plain text.
n(optional)Provides a number-like designation that indicates an element’s position in a sequence
of similar elements. May not contain space characters.
Value conforms to data.WORD.
precedes(optional)Points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
successors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
resp(optional)Indicates the agent(s) responsible for some aspect of the text’s transcription,
editing, or encoding. Its value must point to one or more identifiers declared in
the
document header.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
sameas(optional)Points to an element that is the same as the current element but is not a literal
copy
of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
type(optional)Designation which characterizes the element in some sense, using any convenient
classification scheme or typology that employs single-token labels.
One or more values of datatype NMTOKEN, separated by spaces.
xml:base(optional)Provides a base URI reference with which applications can resolve relative URI
references into absolute URI references.
Value conforms to data.URI.
xml:id(optional)Regularizes the naming of an element and thus facilitates building links between it
and other resources. Each id attribute within a document must have a unique value.
Value is a valid xml:id.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that form the basis of the att.common class.
xml:base(optional)Provides a base URI reference with which applications can resolve relative URI
references into absolute URI references.
Value conforms to data.URI.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that uniquely identify an element.
xml:id(optional)Regularizes the naming of an element and thus facilitates building links between it
and other resources. Each id attribute within a document must have a unique value.
Value is a valid xml:id.
(MEI.shared)
label(optional)Captures text to be used to generate a label for the element to which it’s attached,
a
"tool tip" or prefatory text, for example. Should not be used to record document
content.
Value is plain text.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that specify element-to-element relationships.
copyof(optional)Points to an element of which the current element is a copy.
Value conforms to data.URI.
corresp(optional)Used to point to other elements that correspond to this one in a generic
fashion.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
follows(optional)points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
predecessors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
next(optional)Used to point to the next event(s) in a user-defined collection.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
precedes(optional)Points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
successors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
prev(optional)Points to the previous event(s) in a user-defined collection.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
sameas(optional)Points to an element that is the same as the current element but is not a literal
copy
of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
synch(optional)Points to elements that are synchronous with the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
(MEI.shared) Attributes used to supply a number-like designation for an element.
n(optional)Provides a number-like designation that indicates an element’s position in a sequence
of similar elements. May not contain space characters.
Value conforms to data.WORD.
(MEI.shared) Attributes capturing information regarding responsibility for some aspect
of the text's creation, transcription, editing, or encoding.
resp(optional)Indicates the agent(s) responsible for some aspect of the text’s transcription,
editing, or encoding. Its value must point to one or more identifiers declared in
the
document header.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
(MEI.shared) Attributes which can be used to classify features.
type(optional)Designation which characterizes the element in some sense, using any convenient
classification scheme or typology that employs single-token labels.
One or more values of datatype NMTOKEN, separated by spaces.
(MEI.shared) Attributes which can be used to classify features.
class(optional)Contains one or more URIs which denote classification terms that apply to the entity
bearing this attribute.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
Component declarations that are shared between two or more modules.
class(optional)Contains one or more URIs which denote classification terms that apply to the entity
bearing this attribute.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
copyof(optional)Points to an element of which the current element is a copy.
Value conforms to data.URI.
corresp(optional)Used to point to other elements that correspond to this one in a generic
fashion.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
follows(optional)points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
predecessors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
label(optional)Captures text to be used to generate a label for the element to which it’s attached,
a
"tool tip" or prefatory text, for example. Should not be used to record document
content.
Value is plain text.
n(optional)Provides a number-like designation that indicates an element’s position in a sequence
of similar elements. May not contain space characters.
Value conforms to data.WORD.
next(optional)Used to point to the next event(s) in a user-defined collection.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
precedes(optional)Points to one or more events in a user-defined collection that are known to be
successors of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
prev(optional)Points to the previous event(s) in a user-defined collection.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
resp(optional)Indicates the agent(s) responsible for some aspect of the text’s transcription,
editing, or encoding. Its value must point to one or more identifiers declared in
the
document header.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
sameas(optional)Points to an element that is the same as the current element but is not a literal
copy
of the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
synch(optional)Points to elements that are synchronous with the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
type(optional)Designation which characterizes the element in some sense, using any convenient
classification scheme or typology that employs single-token labels.
One or more values of datatype NMTOKEN, separated by spaces.
xml:base(optional)Provides a base URI reference with which applications can resolve relative URI
references into absolute URI references.
Value conforms to data.URI.
xml:id(optional)Regularizes the naming of an element and thus facilitates building links between it
and other resources. Each id attribute within a document must have a unique value.
Value is a valid xml:id.
altIdMay contain a bibliographic identifier that does not fit within
the meiHead element’s id attribute, for example because the identifier does not fit
the
definition of an XML id or because multiple identifiers are needed.
ambNoteHighest or lowest pitch in a score, staff, or layer.
analyticContains bibliographic elements describing an item (e.g., an article or
poem) published within a monograph or journal and not as an independent publication.
anchoredTextContainer for text that is fixed to a particular page location, regardless of changes
made
to the layout of the measures around it.
annotProvides a statement explaining the text or indicating the basis for an
assertion.
appInfoGroups information about applications which have acted upon
the MEI file.
applicationProvides information about an application which has acted upon the current
document.
argumentContains a formal list or prose description of topics addressed.
arpegIndicates that the notes of a chord are to be performed successively
rather than simultaneously, usually from lowest to highest. Sometimes called a "roll".
arrangerA person or organization who transcribes a musical composition, usually for a different
medium from that of the original; in an arrangement the musical substance remains
essentially
unchanged.
articAn indication of how to play a note or chord.
attaccaAn instruction to begin the next section or movement of a composition without
pause.
attUsageDocuments the usage of a specific attribute of the element.
audienceDefines the class of user for which the work is intended, as defined by age group
(e.g.,
children, young adults, adults, etc.), educational level (e.g., primary, secondary, etc.), or
other categorization.
authorThe name of the creator of the intellectual content of a non-musical, literary
work.
availabilityGroups elements that describe the availability of and access to a bibliographic item,
including an MEI-encoded document.
avFileReferences an external digital audio or video file.
backContains any appendixes, advertisements, indexes, etc. following the main
body of a musical text.
barLineVertical line drawn through one or more staves that divides musical notation into
metrical
units.
bindingContains a description of one binding, i.e., type of covering, boards, etc.
applied to an item.
bindingDescDescribes the present and former bindings of an item.
blocContains the name of a geopolitical unit consisting of two or more nation states or
countries.
bodyContains the whole of a single musical text, excluding any front or back matter.
bracketSpanMarks a sequence of notational events grouped by a bracket.
breathAn indication of a point at which the performer on an instrument requiring
breath (including the voice) may breathe.
bTremA rapid alternation on a single pitch or chord.
bylineContains the primary statement of responsibility given for a work on its title
page.
caesuraBreak, pause, or interruption in the normal tempo of a composition. Typically indicated
by
"railroad tracks", i.e., two diagonal slashes.
captionA label which accompanies an illustration or a table.
captureModeThe means used to record notation, sound, or images in the production of
a source/manifestation (e.g., analogue, acoustic, electric, digital, optical etc.).
carrierFormThe specific class of material to which the physical carrier of the
source/manifestation belongs (e.g., sound cassette, videodisc, microfilm cartridge,
transparency, etc.). The carrier for a manifestation comprising multiple physical
components
may include more than one form (e.g., a filmstrip with an accompanying booklet, a separate
sound disc carrying the sound track for a film, etc.).
castGrpGroups one or more individual castItem elements within a cast list.
castItemContains a single entry within a cast list, describing either a single role or a list
of
non-speaking roles.
castListContains a single cast list or dramatis personae.
catchwordsDescribes the system used to ensure correct ordering of the quires making up an item,
typically by means of annotations at the foot of the page.
categoryContains an individual descriptive category in a user-defined taxonomy, possibly nested
within a superordinate category.
clipDefines a time segment of interest within a recording or within a digital audio or
video
file.
collationRecords a description of how the leaves or bifolia of an item are physically
arranged.
colLayoutAn empty formatting element that signals the start of columnar
layout.
colophonContains a statement providing information regarding the date, place, agency, or reason
for production of the item.
componentListContainer for intellectual or physical component parts of a bibliographic entity.
composerThe name of the creator of the intellectual content of a musical work.
conditionThe physical condition of an item, particularly any variances between the physical
make-up
of the item and that of other copies of the same item (e.g., missing pages or plates,
brittleness, faded images, etc.).
contentItemContains a single entry within a content description element.
contentsList of the material contained within a resource.
contextThe historical, social, intellectual, artistic, or other context within which the
work was
originally conceived (e.g., the 17th century restoration of the monarchy in England, the
aesthetic movement of the late 19th century, etc.) or the historical, social, intellectual,
artistic, or other context within which the expression was realized.
contributorNames of individuals, institutions, or organizations responsible for contributions
to the
intellectual content of a work, where the specialized elements for authors, editors,
etc. do
not suffice or do not apply.
corpNameIdentifies an organization or group of people that acts as a single
entity.
corrContains the correct form of an apparent erroneous passage.
correctionStates how and under what circumstances corrections have been made in the text.
countryContains the name of a geopolitical unit, such as a nation, country, colony, or
commonwealth, larger than or administratively superior to a region and smaller than
a
bloc.
courseDescribes the tuning of a course on a stringed instrument (e.g., guitar, lute).
cpMarkA verbal or graphical indication to copy musical material
written elsewhere.
creationNon-bibliographic details of the creation of an intellectual entity, in narrative
form,
such as the date, place, and circumstances of its composition. More detailed information
may
be captured within the history element.
delContains information deleted, marked as deleted, or otherwise indicated as
superfluous or spurious in the copy text by an author, scribe, annotator, or corrector.
depthDescription of a measurement taken through a three-dimensional object.
descContainer for text that briefly describes the feature to which it is
attached, including its intended usage, purpose, or application as appropriate.
dimensionsInformation about the physical size of an entity; usually includes numerical data.
dirAn instruction expressed as a combination of text and symbols, typically above,
below, or between staves, but not on the staff — that is not encoded elsewhere in
more specific
elements, like tempo, dynam or repeatMark.
distributorPerson or agency, other than a publisher, from which access (including electronic
access)
to a bibliographic entity may be obtained.
districtContains the name of any kind of subdivision of a settlement, such as a parish, ward,
or
other administrative or geographic unit.
domainsDeclIndicates which domains are included in the encoding.
dynamIndication of the volume of a note, phrase, or section of music.
editionA word or text phrase that indicates a difference in either
content or form between the item being described and a related item previously issued
by the
same publisher/distributor (e.g., 2nd edition, version 2.0, etc.), or simultaneously issued by
either the same publisher/distributor or another publisher/distributor (e.g., large print
edition, British edition, etc.).
editionStmtContainer for meta-data pertaining to a particular edition of the
material being described.
editorThe name of the individual(s), institution(s) or organization(s) acting in an editorial
capacity.
editorialDeclUsed to provide details of editorial principles and practices
applied during the encoding of musical text.
encodingDescDocuments the relationship between an electronic file and the
source or sources from which it was derived as well as applications used in the
encoding/editing process.
endingAlternative ending for a repeated passage of music; i.e., prima volta, seconda volta,
etc.
epigraphContains a quotation, anonymous or attributed, appearing on a title page.
expansionIndicates how a section may be programmatically expanded into its 'through-composed'
form.
explicitContains the explicit of a manuscript item; that is, the closing words of the text
proper,
exclusive of any rubric or colophon which might follow it.
expressionIntellectual or artistic realization of a work.
facsimileContains a representation of a written source in the form of a set of images rather
than
as transcribed or encoded text.
famNameContains a family (inherited) name, as opposed to a given, baptismal, or
nick name.
fbSymbols added to a bass line that indicate harmony. Used to improvise a
chordal accompaniment. Sometimes called Generalbass, thoroughbass, or basso continuo.
fermataAn indication placed over a note or rest to indicate that it should be held longer
than
its written value. May also occur over a bar line to indicate the end of a phrase
or section.
Sometimes called a 'hold' or 'pause'.
figGroups elements representing or containing graphic information such as an
illustration or figure.
figDescContains a brief prose description of the appearance or content of
a graphic figure, for use when documenting an image without displaying it.
fileCharStandards or schemes used to encode the file (e.g., ASCII, SGML,
etc.), physical characteristics of the file (e.g., recording density, parity, blocking, etc.),
and other characteristics that have a bearing on how the file can be processed.
fileDescContains a full bibliographic description of the MEI file.
fingAn individual finger in a fingering indication.
fingGrpA group of individual fingers in a fingering indication.
foliaDescDescribes the order of folia and bifolia making up the text block of a manuscript
or
print.
foliationDescribes the numbering system or systems used to count the leaves or pages in a
codex.
foreNameContains a forename, given or baptismal name.
frontBundles prefatory text found before the start of the musical text.
fTremA rapid alternation between a pair of notes (or chords or perhaps
between a note and a chord) that are (usually) farther apart than a major second.
funderNames of individuals, institutions, or organizations responsible for funding. Funders
provide financial support for a project; they are distinct from sponsors, who provide
intellectual support and authority.
gapIndicates a point where material has been omitted in a transcription, whether as part
of
sampling practice or for editorial reasons described in the MEI header.
genDescBundles information about the textual development of a
work.
genNameContains a name component used to distinguish otherwise
similar names on the basis of the relative ages or generations of the persons named.
genreTerm or terms that designate a category characterizing a particular style, form, or
content.
genStateDescribes a distinctive state in the textual development of a work.
geogFeatContains a common noun identifying a geographical
feature.
geogNameThe proper noun designation for a place, natural feature, or political
jurisdiction.
glissA continuous or sliding movement from one pitch to another, usually
indicated by a straight or wavy line.
graceGrpA container for a sequence of grace notes.
graphicIndicates the location of an inline graphic.
groupContains a composite musical text, grouping together a sequence of distinct musical
texts
(or groups of such musical texts) which are regarded as a unit for some purpose, for
example,
the collected works of a composer.
grpSymA brace or bracket used to group two or more staves of a score or
part.
hairpinIndicates continuous dynamics expressed on the score as wedge-shaped graphics, e.g., <
and >.
lContains a single line of text within a line group.
labelA container for document text that identifies the feature to which it is attached.
For a
"tool tip" or other generated label, use the label attribute.
labelAbbrA label on the pages following the first.
languageDescription of a language used in the document.
langUsageGroups elements describing the languages, sub-languages, dialects,
etc., represented within the encoded resource.
layoutDescribes how text is laid out on the page, including information about any ruling,
pricking, or other evidence of page-preparation techniques.
lbAn empty formatting element that forces text to begin on a new
line.
lemContains the lemma, or base text, of a textual variation.
lgMay be used for any section of text that is organized as a group of lines;
however, it is most often used for a group of verse lines functioning as a formal
unit, e.g., a
stanza, refrain, verse paragraph, etc.
locusDefines a location within a manuscript or manuscript component, usually as a (possibly
discontinuous) sequence of folio references.
locusGrpGroups locations which together form a distinct but discontinuous item
within a manuscript or manuscript part, according to a specific foliation.
lvA "tie-like" indication that a note should ring beyond its written duration.
lyricistPerson or organization who is a writer of the text of a song.
manifestationA bibliographic description of a physical embodiment of an expression of a work.
manifestationListA container for the descriptions of physical embodiments of an expression of a
work.
mappingOne or more characters which are related to the parent symbol in some respect, as
specified by the type attribute.
mdivContains a subdivision of the body of a musical text.
measureUnit of musical time consisting of a fixed number of note values of a given type,
as
determined by the prevailing meter, and delimited in musical notation by bar lines.
meiCorpusA group of related MEI documents, consisting of a header for the group, and
one or more mei elements, each with its own complete header.
mensurCollects information about the metrical relationship between a note value
and the next smaller value; that is, either triple or duple.
mensurationCaptures information about mensuration within bibliographic descriptions.
metaMarkA graphical or textual statement with additional / explanatory information about the
musical text. The textual consequences of this intervention are encoded independently
via
other means; that is, with elements such as add, del, etc.
meterSigGrpUsed to capture alternating, interchanging, mixed or other non-standard meter signatures.
midiContainer for elements that contain information useful when generating MIDI output.
mNumDesignation, name, or label for a measure, often but not always
consisting of digits. Use this element when the n attribute on measure does not adequately capture the appearance or placement of the measure
number/label.
monogrContains bibliographic elements describing an item, for example, a
published book or journal, score, recording, or an unpublished manuscript.
mordentAn ornament indicating rapid alternation of the main note with a secondary note, usually
a
step below, but sometimes a step above.
musicContains a single musical text of any kind, whether unitary or composite, for example,
an
etude, opera, song cycle, symphony, or anthology of piano solos.
nameLinkContains a connecting phrase or link used within a name but not regarded as
part of it, such as "van der" or "of", "from", etc.
namespaceSupplies the formal name of the namespace to which the elements documented by its
children
belong.
phraseIndication of 1) a "unified melodic idea" or 2) performance technique.
physDescContainer for information about the appearance, construction, or
handling of physical materials, such as their dimension, quantity, color, style, and
technique
of creation.
physLocGroups information about the current physical location of a
bibliographic item, such as the repository in which it is located and its shelf mark(s),
and
its previous locations.
physMediumRecords the physical materials used in the source, such as ink and
paper.
plateNumDesignation assigned to a resource by a music publisher, usually printed
at the bottom of each page, and sometimes appearing also on the title page.
playingSpeedPlaying speed for a sound recording is the speed at which the carrier must be operated
to
produce the sound intended (e.g., 33 1/3 rpm, 19 cm/s, etc.).
projectDescProject-level meta-data describing the aim or purpose for which
the electronic file was encoded, funding agencies, etc. together with any other relevant
information concerning the process by which it was assembled or collected.
proportDescription of note duration as arithmetic ratio.
provenanceThe record of ownership or custodianship of an item.
ptrDefines a traversible pointer to another location, using only attributes to
describe the destination.
publisherName of the organization responsible for the publication of a bibliographic item.
pubPlaceName of the place where a bibliographic item was published.
pubStmtContainer for information regarding the publication or
distribution of a bibliographic item, including the publisher’s name and address,
the date of
publication, and other relevant details.
quoteContains a paragraph-like block of text attributed to an external
source, normally set off from the surrounding text by spacing or other typographic
distinction.
rdgContains a single reading within a textual variation.
recipientThe name of the individual(s), institution(s) or organization(s) receiving
correspondence.
rendA formatting element indicating special visual rendering, e.g., bold or
italicized, of a text word or phrase.
repeatMark
An instruction expressed as a combination of text and symbols – segno and coda – typically
above,
below, or between staves, but not on the staff.
repositoryInstitution, agency, or individual which holds a bibliographic item.
respA phrase describing the nature of intellectual responsibility.
respStmtTranscription of text that names one or more individuals,
groups, or in rare cases, mechanical processes, responsible for creation, realization,
production, funding, or distribution of the intellectual or artistic content.
restA non-sounding event found in the source being transcribed.
restoreIndicates restoration of material to an earlier state by cancellation of an editorial
or
authorial marking or instruction.
revisionDescContainer for information about alterations that have been made
to an MEI file.
roleName of a dramatic role, as given in a cast list.
roleNameContains a name component which indicates that the referent has a particular
role or position in society, such as an official title or rank.
rubricContains a string of words through which a manuscript signals the beginning or end
of a
text division, often with an assertion as to its author and title, which is in some
way set
off from the text itself, usually in red ink, or by use of different size or type
of script,
or some other such visual device.
samplingDeclContains a prose description of the rationale and methods used in
sampling texts in the creation of a corpus or collection.
sbAn empty formatting element that forces musical notation to begin on
a new line.
sealDescDescribes the seals or similar external attachments applied to an
item.
secFolioMarks the word or words taken from a fixed point in a codex (typically
the beginning of the second leaf) in order to provide a unique identifier for the
item.
slurIndication of 1) a "unified melodic idea" or 2) performance technique.
soundChanReflects the number of apparent sound channels in the playback of a
recording (monaural, stereophonic, quadraphonic, etc.).
sourceA bibliographic description of a source used in the creation of the electronic
file.
sourceDescA container for the descriptions of the source(s) used in the
creation of the electronic file.
spContains an individual speech in a performance text.
spaceA placeholder used to fill an incomplete measure, layer, etc. most often so that the
combined duration of the events equals the number of beats in the measure.
speakerContains a specialized form of heading or label, giving the name of one or more speakers
in a dramatic text or fragment.
specReproThe equalization system, noise reduction system,
etc. used in making the recording (e.g., NAB, DBX, Dolby, etc.).
sponsorNames of sponsoring individuals, organizations or institutions. Sponsors give their
intellectual authority to a project; they are to be distinguished from funders, who
provide
the funding but do not necessarily take intellectual responsibility.
streetfull street address including any name or number identifying a building as well as
the
name of the street or route on which it is located.
stringUsed to modify tuning information given by the course element. Describes the tuning
of an individual string within a course on a stringed instrument (e.g., guitar, lute).
styleNameA label for a characteristic style of writing or performance, such as
'bebop' or 'rock-n-roll'.
substGroups transcriptional elements when the combination is to be regarded as
a single intervention in the text.
suppliedContains material supplied by the transcriber or editor for any reason.
supportProvides a description of the physical support material of a written item.
supportDescGroups elements describing the physical support material of an
item.
surfaceDefines a writing surface in terms of a rectangular coordinate space, optionally grouping
one or more graphic representations of that space, and rectangular zones of interest
within
it.
tupletA group of notes with "irregular" (sometimes called "irrational") rhythmic values,
for
example, three notes in the time normally occupied by two or nine in the time of five.
tupletSpanAlternative element for encoding tuplets, especially useful for tuplets
that extend across bar lines.
turnAn ornament consisting of four notes — the upper neighbor of the written note, the
written
note, the lower neighbor, and the written note.
typeDescContains a description of the typefaces or other aspects of the
printing of a printed source.
typeNoteDescribes a particular font or other significant typographic feature of a
printed resource.
unclearContains material that cannot be transcribed with certainty because it is illegible
or
inaudible in the source.
unpubUsed to explicitly indicate that a bibliographic resource is
unpublished.
useRestrictContainer for information about the conditions that affect use of a
bibliographic item after access has been granted.
verseDivision of a poem or song lyrics, sometimes having a fixed length, meter or rhyme
scheme;
a stanza.
voltaSung text for a specific iteration of a repeated section of music.
watermarkContains a description of a watermark or similar device.
whenIndicates a point in time either absolutely (using the absolute attribute), or relative
to
another when element (using the since, interval and inttype attributes).
widthDescription of the horizontal size of an object.
workProvides a detailed description of a work — a distinct intellectual or artistic creation
—
specifically its history, language use, and high-level musical attributes (e.g., key, tempo,
meter, medium of performance, and intended duration).
workListGrouping mechanism for information describing non-bibliographic aspects of a
text.
zoneDefines an area of interest within a surface or graphic file.
Common Music Notation (CMN) repertoire component declarations.
arpegIndicates that the notes of a chord are to be performed successively
rather than simultaneously, usually from lowest to highest. Sometimes called a "roll".
attaccaAn instruction to begin the next section or movement of a composition without
pause.
bTremA rapid alternation on a single pitch or chord.
beamA container for a series of explicitly beamed events that begins and ends entirely
within
a measure.
beamSpanAlternative element for explicitly encoding beams, particularly those which
extend across bar lines.
beatRptAn indication that material on a preceding beat should be repeated.
bendA variation in pitch (often micro-tonal) upwards or downwards during the course of
a
note.
bracketSpanMarks a sequence of notational events grouped by a bracket.
breathAn indication of a point at which the performer on an instrument requiring
breath (including the voice) may breathe.
fTremA rapid alternation between a pair of notes (or chords or perhaps
between a note and a chord) that are (usually) farther apart than a major second.
fermataAn indication placed over a note or rest to indicate that it should be held longer
than
its written value. May also occur over a bar line to indicate the end of a phrase
or section.
Sometimes called a 'hold' or 'pause'.
glissA continuous or sliding movement from one pitch to another, usually
indicated by a straight or wavy line.
graceGrpA container for a sequence of grace notes.
hairpinIndicates continuous dynamics expressed on the score as wedge-shaped graphics, e.g., <
and >.
lvA "tie-like" indication that a note should ring beyond its written duration.
mNumDesignation, name, or label for a measure, often but not always
consisting of digits. Use this element when the n attribute on measure does not adequately capture the appearance or placement of the measure
number/label.
mRptAn indication that the previous measure should be repeated.
mRpt2An indication that the previous two measures should be
repeated.
mSpaceA measure containing only empty space in any meter.
measureUnit of musical time consisting of a fixed number of note values of a given type,
as
determined by the prevailing meter, and delimited in musical notation by bar lines.
rehIn an orchestral score and its corresponding parts, a mark indicating a
convenient point from which to resume rehearsal after a break.
repeatMark
An instruction expressed as a combination of text and symbols – segno and coda – typically
above,
below, or between staves, but not on the staff.
slurIndication of 1) a "unified melodic idea" or 2) performance technique.
tieAn indication that two notes of the same pitch form a single note with their combined
rhythmic values.
tupletA group of notes with "irregular" (sometimes called "irrational") rhythmic values,
for
example, three notes in the time normally occupied by two or nine in the time of five.
tupletSpanAlternative element for encoding tuplets, especially useful for tuplets
that extend across bar lines.
CMN ornament component declarations.
mordentAn ornament indicating rapid alternation of the main note with a secondary note, usually
a
step below, but sometimes a step above.
trillRapid alternation of a note with another (usually at the interval of a second
above).
turnAn ornament consisting of four notes — the upper neighbor of the written note, the
written
note, the lower neighbor, and the written note.
Corpus component declarations.
meiCorpusA group of related MEI documents, consisting of a header for the group, and
one or more mei elements, each with its own complete header.
choiceGroups a number of alternative encodings for the same point in a text.
corrContains the correct form of an apparent erroneous passage.
cpMarkA verbal or graphical indication to copy musical material
written elsewhere.
damageContains an area of damage to the physical medium.
delContains information deleted, marked as deleted, or otherwise indicated as
superfluous or spurious in the copy text by an author, scribe, annotator, or corrector.
gapIndicates a point where material has been omitted in a transcription, whether as part
of
sampling practice or for editorial reasons described in the MEI header.
handShiftMarks the beginning of a passage written in a new hand, or of a change in the scribe,
writing style, ink or character of the document hand.
metaMarkA graphical or textual statement with additional / explanatory information about the
musical text. The textual consequences of this intervention are encoded independently
via
other means; that is, with elements such as add, del, etc.
origContains material which is marked as following the original, rather than
being normalized or corrected.
regContains material which has been regularized or normalized in some
sense.
restoreIndicates restoration of material to an earlier state by cancellation of an editorial
or
authorial marking or instruction.
sicContains apparently incorrect or inaccurate material.
substGroups transcriptional elements when the combination is to be regarded as
a single intervention in the text.
suppliedContains material supplied by the transcriber or editor for any reason.
unclearContains material that cannot be transcribed with certainty because it is illegible
or
inaudible in the source.
Facsimile component declarations.
facsimileContains a representation of a written source in the form of a set of images rather
than
as transcribed or encoded text.
surfaceDefines a writing surface in terms of a rectangular coordinate space, optionally grouping
one or more graphic representations of that space, and rectangular zones of interest
within
it.
zoneDefines an area of interest within a surface or graphic file.
Figures and tables component declarations.
figGroups elements representing or containing graphic information such as an
illustration or figure.
figDescContains a brief prose description of the appearance or content of
a graphic figure, for use when documenting an image without displaying it.
graphicIndicates the location of an inline graphic.
fbSymbols added to a bass line that indicate harmony. Used to improvise a
chordal accompaniment. Sometimes called Generalbass, thoroughbass, or basso continuo.
accessRestrictDescribes the conditions that affect the accessibility of
material.
acquisitionRecords information concerning the process by which an item was acquired by the holding
institution.
altIdMay contain a bibliographic identifier that does not fit within
the meiHead element’s id attribute, for example because the identifier does not fit
the
definition of an XML id or because multiple identifiers are needed.
appInfoGroups information about applications which have acted upon
the MEI file.
applicationProvides information about an application which has acted upon the current
document.
attUsageDocuments the usage of a specific attribute of the element.
audienceDefines the class of user for which the work is intended, as defined by age group
(e.g.,
children, young adults, adults, etc.), educational level (e.g., primary, secondary, etc.), or
other categorization.
availabilityGroups elements that describe the availability of and access to a bibliographic item,
including an MEI-encoded document.
bylineContains the primary statement of responsibility given for a work on its title
page.
captureModeThe means used to record notation, sound, or images in the production of
a source/manifestation (e.g., analogue, acoustic, electric, digital, optical etc.).
carrierFormThe specific class of material to which the physical carrier of the
source/manifestation belongs (e.g., sound cassette, videodisc, microfilm cartridge,
transparency, etc.). The carrier for a manifestation comprising multiple physical
components
may include more than one form (e.g., a filmstrip with an accompanying booklet, a separate
sound disc carrying the sound track for a film, etc.).
categoryContains an individual descriptive category in a user-defined taxonomy, possibly nested
within a superordinate category.
changeIndividual change within the revision description.
changeDescDescription of a revision of the MEI file.
classDeclsGroups information which describes the nature or topic of an entity.
classificationGroups information which describes the nature or topic of an entity.
componentListContainer for intellectual or physical component parts of a bibliographic entity.
conditionThe physical condition of an item, particularly any variances between the physical
make-up
of the item and that of other copies of the same item (e.g., missing pages or plates,
brittleness, faded images, etc.).
contentItemContains a single entry within a content description element.
contentsList of the material contained within a resource.
contextThe historical, social, intellectual, artistic, or other context within which the
work was
originally conceived (e.g., the 17th century restoration of the monarchy in England, the
aesthetic movement of the late 19th century, etc.) or the historical, social, intellectual,
artistic, or other context within which the expression was realized.
correctionStates how and under what circumstances corrections have been made in the text.
cutoutA cutout is a section of a document sheet that has been removed and is now missing.
domainsDeclIndicates which domains are included in the encoding.
editionStmtContainer for meta-data pertaining to a particular edition of the
material being described.
editorialDeclUsed to provide details of editorial principles and practices
applied during the encoding of musical text.
encodingDescDocuments the relationship between an electronic file and the
source or sources from which it was derived as well as applications used in the
encoding/editing process.
exhibHistA record of public exhibitions, including dates, venues,
etc.
extMetaProvides a container element for non-MEI metadata formats.
fileCharStandards or schemes used to encode the file (e.g., ASCII, SGML,
etc.), physical characteristics of the file (e.g., recording density, parity, blocking, etc.),
and other characteristics that have a bearing on how the file can be processed.
fileDescContains a full bibliographic description of the MEI file.
foliaDescDescribes the order of folia and bifolia making up the text block of a manuscript
or
print.
inscriptionAn inscription added to an item, such as a bookplate, a note designating the item
as a
gift, and/or the author’s signature.
interpretationDescribes the scope of any analytic or interpretive information added to the transcription
of the music.
keyKey captures information about tonal center and mode.
langUsageGroups elements describing the languages, sub-languages, dialects,
etc., represented within the encoded resource.
languageDescription of a language used in the document.
mensurationCaptures information about mensuration within bibliographic descriptions.
meterCaptures information about the time signature within bibliographic descriptions.
namespaceSupplies the formal name of the namespace to which the elements documented by its
children
belong.
normalizationIndicates the extent of normalization or regularization of the original source carried
out
in converting it to electronic form.
notesStmtCollects any notes providing information about a text additional to
that recorded in other parts of the bibliographic description.
otherCharAny characteristic that serves to differentiate a
work or expression from another.
patchDescribes a physical writing surface attached to the original document.
perfDurationUsed to express the duration of performance of printed or
manuscript music or the playing time for a sound recording, videorecording, etc.
perfMediumIndicates the number and character of the performing forces used in
a musical composition.
perfResName of an instrument on which a performer plays, a performer's
voice range, or a standard performing ensemble designation.
perfResListSeveral instrumental or vocal resources treated as a group.
physDescContainer for information about the appearance, construction, or
handling of physical materials, such as their dimension, quantity, color, style, and
technique
of creation.
physMediumRecords the physical materials used in the source, such as ink and
paper.
plateNumDesignation assigned to a resource by a music publisher, usually printed
at the bottom of each page, and sometimes appearing also on the title page.
playingSpeedPlaying speed for a sound recording is the speed at which the carrier must be operated
to
produce the sound intended (e.g., 33 1/3 rpm, 19 cm/s, etc.).
projectDescProject-level meta-data describing the aim or purpose for which
the electronic file was encoded, funding agencies, etc. together with any other relevant
information concerning the process by which it was assembled or collected.
provenanceThe record of ownership or custodianship of an item.
pubStmtContainer for information regarding the publication or
distribution of a bibliographic item, including the publisher’s name and address,
the date of
publication, and other relevant details.
revisionDescContainer for information about alterations that have been made
to an MEI file.
samplingDeclContains a prose description of the rationale and methods used in
sampling texts in the creation of a corpus or collection.
scoreFormatDescribes the type of score used to represent a musical composition (e.g., short score,
full score, condensed score, close score, etc.).
segmentationDescribes the principles according to which the musical text has been segmented, for
example into movements, sections, etc.
seriesStmtGroups information about the series, if any, to which a publication
belongs.
soundChanReflects the number of apparent sound channels in the playback of a
recording (monaural, stereophonic, quadraphonic, etc.).
sourceA bibliographic description of a source used in the creation of the electronic
file.
sourceDescA container for the descriptions of the source(s) used in the
creation of the electronic file.
specReproThe equalization system, noise reduction system,
etc. used in making the recording (e.g., NAB, DBX, Dolby, etc.).
stdValsSpecifies the format used when standardized date or number values are
supplied.
sysReqSystem requirements for using the electronic item.
tagUsageDocuments the usage of a specific element within the document.
tagsDeclProvides detailed information about the tagging applied to a
document.
taxonomyDefines a typology either implicitly, by means of a bibliographic citation, or explicitly
by a structured taxonomy.
termListCollection of text phrases which describe a resource.
titleStmtContainer for title and responsibility meta-data.
trackConfigNumber of physical/input tracks on a sound medium (e.g., eight
track, twelve track).
treatHistA record of the treatment the item has undergone (e.g.,
de-acidification, restoration, etc.).
treatSchedScheduled treatment, e.g., de-acidification, restoration, etc., for
an item.
unpubUsed to explicitly indicate that a bibliographic resource is
unpublished.
useRestrictContainer for information about the conditions that affect use of a
bibliographic item after access has been granted.
watermarkContains a description of a watermark or similar device.
workProvides a detailed description of a work — a distinct intellectual or artistic creation
—
specifically its history, language use, and high-level musical attributes (e.g., key, tempo,
meter, medium of performance, and intended duration).
workListGrouping mechanism for information describing non-bibliographic aspects of a
text.
Lyrics component declarations.
refrainRecurring lyrics, especially at the end of each verse or stanza of a poem or song
lyrics;
a chorus.
verseDivision of a poem or song lyrics, sometimes having a fixed length, meter or rhyme
scheme;
a stanza.
voltaSung text for a specific iteration of a repeated section of music.
Mensural repertoire component declarations.
ligatureA mensural notation symbol that combines two or more notes into a single sign.
mensurCollects information about the metrical relationship between a note value
and the next smaller value; that is, either triple or duple.
accMatHolds a description of any additional material bound with an item, such as
non-contemporaneous documents or fragments.
addDescProvides a description of significant additions found within an
item, such as marginalia or other annotations.
bindingContains a description of one binding, i.e., type of covering, boards, etc.
applied to an item.
bindingDescDescribes the present and former bindings of an item.
catchwordsDescribes the system used to ensure correct ordering of the quires making up an item,
typically by means of annotations at the foot of the page.
collationRecords a description of how the leaves or bifolia of an item are physically
arranged.
colophonContains a statement providing information regarding the date, place, agency, or reason
for production of the item.
decoDescContains a description of the decoration of an item.
decoNoteContains a description of one or more decorative features of an
item.
explicitContains the explicit of a manuscript item; that is, the closing words of the text
proper,
exclusive of any rubric or colophon which might follow it.
foliationDescribes the numbering system or systems used to count the leaves or pages in a
codex.
heraldryContains a heraldic formula or phrase, typically found as part of a blazon, coat of
arms,
etc.
layoutDescribes how text is laid out on the page, including information about any ruling,
pricking, or other evidence of page-preparation techniques.
locusDefines a location within a manuscript or manuscript component, usually as a (possibly
discontinuous) sequence of folio references.
locusGrpGroups locations which together form a distinct but discontinuous item
within a manuscript or manuscript part, according to a specific foliation.
rubricContains a string of words through which a manuscript signals the beginning or end
of a
text division, often with an assertion as to its author and title, which is in some
way set
off from the text itself, usually in red ink, or by use of different size or type
of script,
or some other such visual device.
scriptDescContains a description of the letters or characters used in an
autographic item.
scriptNoteDescribes a particular script distinguished within the description of an
autographic item.
sealDescDescribes the seals or similar external attachments applied to an
item.
secFolioMarks the word or words taken from a fixed point in a codex (typically
the beginning of the second leaf) in order to provide a unique identifier for the
item.
signaturesProvides a description of the leaf or quire signatures found within a codex.
stampContains a word or phrase describing an official mark indicating ownership, genuineness,
validity, etc.
supportProvides a description of the physical support material of a written item.
supportDescGroups elements describing the physical support material of an
item.
typeDescContains a description of the typefaces or other aspects of the
printing of a printed source.
typeNoteDescribes a particular font or other significant typographic feature of a
printed resource.
Names and dates component declarations.
addNameContains an additional name component, such as a nickname, epithet, or
alias, or any other descriptive phrase used within a personal name.
blocContains the name of a geopolitical unit consisting of two or more nation states or
countries.
corpNameIdentifies an organization or group of people that acts as a single
entity.
countryContains the name of a geopolitical unit, such as a nation, country, colony, or
commonwealth, larger than or administratively superior to a region and smaller than
a
bloc.
districtContains the name of any kind of subdivision of a settlement, such as a parish, ward,
or
other administrative or geographic unit.
famNameContains a family (inherited) name, as opposed to a given, baptismal, or
nick name.
foreNameContains a forename, given or baptismal name.
genNameContains a name component used to distinguish otherwise
similar names on the basis of the relative ages or generations of the persons named.
geogFeatContains a common noun identifying a geographical
feature.
geogNameThe proper noun designation for a place, natural feature, or political
jurisdiction.
nameLinkContains a connecting phrase or link used within a name but not regarded as
part of it, such as "van der" or "of", "from", etc.
periodNameA label that describes a period of time, such as 'Baroque' or '3rd Style
period'.
persNameDesignation for an individual, including any or all of that individual's
forenames, surnames, honorific titles, and added names.
postBoxContains a number or other identifier for some postal
delivery point other than a street address.
postCodeContains a numerical or alphanumeric code used as part of a postal address
to simplify sorting or delivery of mail.
regionContains the name of an administrative unit such as a state, province, or county,
larger
than a settlement, but smaller than a country.
roleNameContains a name component which indicates that the referent has a particular
role or position in society, such as an official title or rank.
settlementContains the name of a settlement such as a city, town, or village identified as a
single
geopolitical or administrative unit.
streetfull street address including any name or number identifying a building as well as
the
name of the street or route on which it is located.
styleNameA label for a characteristic style of writing or performance, such as
'bebop' or 'rock-n-roll'.
whenIndicates a point in time either absolutely (using the absolute attribute), or relative
to
another when element (using the since, interval and inttype attributes).
Pointer and reference component declarations.
ptrDefines a traversible pointer to another location, using only attributes to
describe the destination.
refDefines a traversible reference to another location. May contain text and
sub-elements that describe the destination.
Component declarations that are shared between two or more modules.
accidRecords a temporary alteration to the pitch of a note.
actorName of an actor appearing within a cast list.
analyticContains bibliographic elements describing an item (e.g., an article or
poem) published within a monograph or journal and not as an independent publication.
annotProvides a statement explaining the text or indicating the basis for an
assertion.
arrangerA person or organization who transcribes a musical composition, usually for a different
medium from that of the original; in an arrangement the musical substance remains
essentially
unchanged.
articAn indication of how to play a note or chord.
authorThe name of the creator of the intellectual content of a non-musical, literary
work.
barLineVertical line drawn through one or more staves that divides musical notation into
metrical
units.
biblProvides a loosely-structured bibliographic citation in which
the sub-components may or may not be explicitly marked.
colLayoutAn empty formatting element that signals the start of columnar
layout.
composerThe name of the creator of the intellectual content of a musical work.
contributorNames of individuals, institutions, or organizations responsible for contributions
to the
intellectual content of a work, where the specialized elements for authors, editors,
etc. do
not suffice or do not apply.
creationNon-bibliographic details of the creation of an intellectual entity, in narrative
form,
such as the date, place, and circumstances of its composition. More detailed information
may
be captured within the history element.
custosSymbol placed at the end of a line of music to indicate the first note of the next
line.
Sometimes called a "direct".
dateA string identifying a point in time or the time period between two such points.
dedicateeEntity to whom a creative work is formally offered.
depthDescription of a measurement taken through a three-dimensional object.
descContainer for text that briefly describes the feature to which it is
attached, including its intended usage, purpose, or application as appropriate.
dimensionsInformation about the physical size of an entity; usually includes numerical data.
dirAn instruction expressed as a combination of text and symbols, typically above,
below, or between staves, but not on the staff — that is not encoded elsewhere in
more specific
elements, like tempo, dynam or repeatMark.
distributorPerson or agency, other than a publisher, from which access (including electronic
access)
to a bibliographic entity may be obtained.
dynamIndication of the volume of a note, phrase, or section of music.
editionA word or text phrase that indicates a difference in either
content or form between the item being described and a related item previously issued
by the
same publisher/distributor (e.g., 2nd edition, version 2.0, etc.), or simultaneously issued by
either the same publisher/distributor or another publisher/distributor (e.g., large print
edition, British edition, etc.).
editorThe name of the individual(s), institution(s) or organization(s) acting in an editorial
capacity.
endingAlternative ending for a repeated passage of music; i.e., prima volta, seconda volta,
etc.
eventListContains historical information given as a sequence of significant past events.
expansionIndicates how a section may be programmatically expanded into its 'through-composed'
form.
extentUsed to express size in terms other than physical dimensions, such as number of pages,
records, bytes, physical components, etc.
funderNames of individuals, institutions, or organizations responsible for funding. Funders
provide financial support for a project; they are distinct from sponsors, who provide
intellectual support and authority.
genreTerm or terms that designate a category characterizing a particular style, form, or
content.
groupContains a composite musical text, grouping together a sequence of distinct musical
texts
(or groups of such musical texts) which are regarded as a unit for some purpose, for
example,
the collected works of a composer.
grpSymA brace or bracket used to group two or more staves of a score or
part.
headContains any heading, for example, the title of a section of text, or the
heading of a list.
heightDescription of the vertical size of an object.
identifierAn alpha-numeric string that establishes the identity of the described material.
imprintInformation relating to the publication or distribution of a bibliographic item.
incipThe opening music and/or words of a musical or textual work.
labelA container for document text that identifies the feature to which it is attached.
For a
"tool tip" or other generated label, use the label attribute.
labelAbbrA label on the pages following the first.
lbAn empty formatting element that forces text to begin on a new
line.
lgMay be used for any section of text that is organized as a group of lines;
however, it is most often used for a group of verse lines functioning as a formal
unit, e.g., a
stanza, refrain, verse paragraph, etc.
librettistPerson or organization who is a writer of the text of an opera, oratorio, etc.
lyricistPerson or organization who is a writer of the text of a song.
mdivContains a subdivision of the body of a musical text.
monogrContains bibliographic elements describing an item, for example, a
published book or journal, score, recording, or an unpublished manuscript.
musicContains a single musical text of any kind, whether unitary or composite, for example,
an
etude, opera, song cycle, symphony, or anthology of piano solos.
phraseIndication of 1) a "unified melodic idea" or 2) performance technique.
physLocGroups information about the current physical location of a
bibliographic item, such as the repository in which it is located and its shelf mark(s),
and
its previous locations.
pubPlaceName of the place where a bibliographic item was published.
publisherName of the organization responsible for the publication of a bibliographic item.
recipientThe name of the individual(s), institution(s) or organization(s) receiving
correspondence.
relatedItemContains or references another bibliographic item which is related to the
present one.
relationDescribes a relationship or linkage amongst entities.
rendA formatting element indicating special visual rendering, e.g., bold or
italicized, of a text word or phrase.
repositoryInstitution, agency, or individual which holds a bibliographic item.
respA phrase describing the nature of intellectual responsibility.
respStmtTranscription of text that names one or more individuals,
groups, or in rare cases, mechanical processes, responsible for creation, realization,
production, funding, or distribution of the intellectual or artistic content.
restA non-sounding event found in the source being transcribed.
roleName of a dramatic role, as given in a cast list.
seriesContains information about the serial publication in which a bibliographic item has
appeared.
spaceA placeholder used to fill an incomplete measure, layer, etc. most often so that the
combined duration of the events equals the number of beats in the measure.
speakerContains a specialized form of heading or label, giving the name of one or more speakers
in a dramatic text or fragment.
sponsorNames of sponsoring individuals, organizations or institutions. Sponsors give their
intellectual authority to a project; they are to be distinguished from funders, who
provide
the funding but do not necessarily take intellectual responsibility.
courseDescribes the tuning of a course on a stringed instrument (e.g., guitar, lute).
stringUsed to modify tuning information given by the course element. Describes the tuning
of an individual string within a course on a stringed instrument (e.g., guitar, lute).
quoteContains a paragraph-like block of text attributed to an external
source, normally set off from the surrounding text by spacing or other typographic
distinction.
segrepresents any segmentation of text below the "text component" level.
User-defined symbols component declarations.
anchoredTextContainer for text that is fixed to a particular page location, regardless of changes
made
to the layout of the measures around it.
curveA curved line that cannot be represented by a more specific element, such as a
slur.
lineA visual line that cannot be represented by a more specific; i.e., semantic,
element.
mappingOne or more characters which are related to the parent symbol in some respect, as
specified by the type attribute.