aboveorderDescribes vertical order of items printed above a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
bar.len(optional)States the length of bar lines in virtual units. The value must be greater than 0
and
is typically equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1); e.g., a value of 8 for a
5-line staff.
Value is a decimal number.
bar.place(optional)Denotes the staff location of bar lines, if the length is non-standard; that is, not
equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1).
Value conforms to data.STAFFLOC.
beam.rend(optional)Encodes whether a beam is "feathered" and in which direction. Allowed values are: "acc" (Beam lines grow farther apart from left to right.), "rit" (Beam lines grow closer together from left to right.), "norm" (Beam lines are equally-spaced over the entire length of the beam.)
beam.rests(optional)Indicates whether automatically-drawn beams should include rests shorter than a
quarter note duration.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
beloworderDescribes vertical order of items printed below a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
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.
clef.line(optional)Contains a default value for the position of the clef. The value must be in the range
between 1 and the number of lines on the staff. The numbering of lines starts with
the
lowest line of the staff.
Value conforms to data.CLEFLINE.
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.
dur.default(optional)Contains a default duration in those situations when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have a duration specified.
Value conforms to data.DURATION.
ending.rend(optional)Describes where ending marks should be displayed. Allowed values are: "top" (Ending rendered only above top staff.), "barred" (Ending rendered above staves that have bar lines drawn across them.), "grouped" (Endings rendered above staff groups.)
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.
harm.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff of harmonic indications, such as guitar
chord grids or functional labels.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
key.accid(optional)Contains an accidental for the tonic key, if one is required, e.g., if key.pname
equals c and key.accid equals s, then a tonic of C# is indicated.
Value conforms to data.ACCIDENTAL.GESTURAL.
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.
mensur.color(optional)Records the color of the mensuration sign. Do not confuse this with the musical term
'color' as used in pre-CMN notation.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
mensur.form(optional)Indicates whether the base symbol is written vertically or horizontally. Allowed values are: "horizontal" (Horizontally oriented.), "vertical" (Vertically oriented.)
mensur.slash(optional)Indicates the number lines added to the mensuration sign. For example, one slash is
added for what we now call 'alla breve'.
Value is a positive integer.
meter.count(optional)Captures the number of beats in a measure, that is, the top number of the meter
signature. It must contain a decimal number or an expression that evaluates to a
decimal number, such as 2+3 or 3*2.
Value is plain text.
meter.showchange(optional)Determines whether the old meter signature should be displayed when the meter
signature changes.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
meter.sym(optional)Indicates the use of a meter symbol instead of a numeric meter signature, that is,
'C'
for common time or 'C' with a slash for cut time.
Value conforms to data.METERSIGN.
midi.bpm(optional)Captures the number of *quarter notes* per minute. In MIDI, a beat is always defined
as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*.
Value conforms to data.MIDIBPM.
midi.mspb(optional)Records the number of microseconds per *quarter note*. In MIDI, a beat is always
defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*. At 120 quarter notes per minute, each quarter note will last 500,000
microseconds.
Value conforms to data.MIDIMSPB.
mm(optional)Used to describe tempo in terms of beats (often the meter signature denominator) per
minute, ala M.M. (Maelzel’s Metronome). Do not confuse this attribute with midi.bpm
or
midi.mspb. In MIDI, a beat is always defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator
of the
time signature or the metronomic indication*.
Value conforms to data.TEMPOVALUE.
multi.number(optional)Indicates whether programmatically calculated counts of multiple measures of rest
(mRest) and whole measure repeats (mRpt) in parts should be rendered.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
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.
num.default(optional)Along with numbase.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. num.default
is
the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
numbase.default(optional)Along with num.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. numbase.default
is
the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
oct.default(optional)Contains a default octave specification for use when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have an octave value specified.
Value conforms to data.OCTAVE.
ontheline(optional)Determines the placement of notes on a 1-line staff. A value of true places all
notes on the line, while a value of false places stems-up notes above the line and
stems-down notes below the line.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
optimize(optional)Indicates whether staves without notes, rests, etc. should be displayed. When the
value is 'true', empty staves are not displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
page.height(optional)Specifies the height of the page; may be expressed in real-world units or staff
steps.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
ppq(optional)Indicates the number of pulses (sometimes referred to as ticks or divisions) per
quarter note. Unlike MIDI, MEI permits different values for a score and individual
staves.
Value is a positive integer.
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.
proport.num(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.num is for the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
proport.numbase(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.numbase is for the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
reh.enclose(optional)Describes the enclosing shape for rehearsal marks. Allowed values are: "box" (Enclosed by box.), "circle" (Enclosed by circle.), "none" (No enclosing shape.)
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.
spacing.staff(optional)Specifies the minimum amount of space between adjacent staves in the same system;
measured from the bottom line of the staff above to the top line of the staff
below.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
spacing.system(optional)Describes the space between adjacent systems; a pair of space-separated values
(minimum and maximum, respectively) provides a range between which a rendering
system-supplied value may fall, while a single value indicates a fixed amount of space;
that is, the minimum and maximum values are equal.
One or two values from data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED, separated by a space.
system.leftline(optional)Indicates whether the system starts with a continuous line connecting all staves,
including single-staff systems. Do not confuse this with the heavy vertical line used
as a grouping
symbol.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
system.leftmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the left system margin relative to
page.leftmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.rightmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the right system margin relative to
page.rightmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.topmar(optional)Describes the distance from page’s top edge to the first system; used for first page
only.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
text.fam(optional)Provides a default value for the font family name of text (other than lyrics) when
this information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTFAMILY.
text.name(optional)Provides a default value for the font name of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTNAME.
text.size(optional)Provides a default value for the font size of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
text.style(optional)Provides a default value for the font style of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSTYLE.
text.weight(optional)Provides a default value for the font weight for text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTWEIGHT.
trans.diat(optional)Records the amount of diatonic pitch shift, e.g., C to C♯ = 0, C to D♭ = 1, necessary
to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
trans.semi(optional)Records the amount of pitch shift in semitones, e.g., C to C♯ = 1, C to D♭ = 1,
necessary to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
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.
vu.height(optional)Defines the height of a "virtual unit" (vu) in terms of real-world units. A single
vu
is half the distance between adjacent staff lines where the interline space is measured
from the middle of a staff line.
Value is a token.
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.
(MEI.analytical) Analytical domain attributes.
(MEI.analytical) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the analytical domain that are related to key signatures.
key.accid(optional)Contains an accidental for the tonic key, if one is required, e.g., if key.pname
equals c and key.accid equals s, then a tonic of C# is indicated.
Value conforms to data.ACCIDENTAL.GESTURAL.
key.mode(optional)Indicates major, minor, or other tonality.
Value conforms to data.MODE.
key.pname(optional)Holds the pitch name of the tonic key, e.g., c for the key of C.
Value conforms to data.PITCHNAME.
(MEI.gestural) Gestural domain attributes for scoreDef. The values set in these attributes
act as score-wide defaults for attributes that are not set in descendant elements.
For example, the grace attribute value here applies to all the grace attribute values
in the score (or, more accurately, until the next element) without having to individually
set each note’s grace attribute value. The midi.* attributes function as default values
when creating sounding output. The tune.* attributes provide the capability of recording
a tuning reference pitch.
(MEI.midi) Attributes that record MIDI channel information.
midi.channel(optional)Records a MIDI channel value.
Value conforms to data.MIDICHANNEL.
midi.duty(optional)Specifies the 'on' part of the duty cycle as a percentage of a note’s duration.
Value conforms to data.PERCENT.LIMITED.
midi.port(optional)Sets the MIDI port value.
Value conforms to data.MIDIVALUE_NAME.
midi.track(optional)Sets the MIDI track.
Value is a positive integer.
(MEI.midi) Attributes that record time-base information.
ppq(optional)Indicates the number of pulses (sometimes referred to as ticks or divisions) per
quarter note. Unlike MIDI, MEI permits different values for a score and individual
staves.
Value is a positive integer.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe tuning.
tune.Hz(optional)Holds a value for cycles per second, i.e., Hertz, for a tuning reference pitch.
Value is a decimal number.
tune.pname(optional)Holds the pitch name of a tuning reference pitch, i.e., the central tone of a tuning system.
Value conforms to data.PITCHNAME.
tune.temper(optional)Provides an indication of the tuning system, just, for example.
Value conforms to data.TEMPERAMENT.
(MEI.midi) Attributes that record MIDI tempo information.
midi.bpm(optional)Captures the number of *quarter notes* per minute. In MIDI, a beat is always defined
as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*.
Value conforms to data.MIDIBPM.
midi.mspb(optional)Records the number of microseconds per *quarter note*. In MIDI, a beat is always
defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*. At 120 quarter notes per minute, each quarter note will last 500,000
microseconds.
Value conforms to data.MIDIMSPB.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that record tempo in terms of beats per minute.
mm(optional)Used to describe tempo in terms of beats (often the meter signature denominator) per
minute, ala M.M. (Maelzel’s Metronome). Do not confuse this attribute with midi.bpm
or
midi.mspb. In MIDI, a beat is always defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator
of the
time signature or the metronomic indication*.
Value conforms to data.TEMPOVALUE.
mm.unit(optional)Captures the metronomic unit.
Value conforms to data.DURATION.
mm.dots(optional)Records the number of augmentation dots required by a dotted metronome unit.
Value conforms to data.AUGMENTDOT.
(MEI.shared) Logical domain attributes for scoreDef in the CMN repertoire. The values
set in these attributes act as score-wide defaults for attributes that are not set
in descendant elements.
(MEI.shared) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the logical domain related to clefs.
clef.shape(optional)Encodes a value for the clef symbol.
Value conforms to data.CLEFSHAPE.
clef.line(optional)Contains a default value for the position of the clef. The value must be in the range
between 1 and the number of lines on the staff. The numbering of lines starts with
the
lowest line of the staff.
Value conforms to data.CLEFLINE.
clef.dis(optional)Records the amount of octave displacement to be applied to the clef.
Value conforms to data.OCTAVE.DIS.
clef.dis.place(optional)Records the direction of octave displacement to be applied to the clef.
Value conforms to data.STAFFREL.basic.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that provide a durational default value.
dur.default(optional)Contains a default duration in those situations when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have a duration specified.
Value conforms to data.DURATION.
num.default(optional)Along with numbase.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. num.default
is
the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
numbase.default(optional)Along with num.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. numbase.default
is
the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
(MEI.shared) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the logical domain that are related to key signatures.
keysig(optional)Written key signature.
One or more values from data.KEYFIFTHS, separated by spaces.
(MEI.shared) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the logical domain related to meter signature.
meter.count(optional)Captures the number of beats in a measure, that is, the top number of the meter
signature. It must contain a decimal number or an expression that evaluates to a
decimal number, such as 2+3 or 3*2.
Value is plain text.
meter.unit(optional)Contains the number indicating the beat unit, that is, the bottom number of the meter
signature.
Value is a decimal number.
meter.sym(optional)Indicates the use of a meter symbol instead of a numeric meter signature, that is,
'C'
for common time or 'C' with a slash for cut time.
Value conforms to data.METERSIGN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that record a default value for octave.
oct.default(optional)Contains a default octave specification for use when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have an octave value specified.
Value conforms to data.OCTAVE.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe transposition.
trans.diat(optional)Records the amount of diatonic pitch shift, e.g., C to C♯ = 0, C to D♭ = 1, necessary
to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
trans.semi(optional)Records the amount of pitch shift in semitones, e.g., C to C♯ = 1, C to D♭ = 1,
necessary to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
(MEI.cmn) Logical domain attributes.
(MEI.cmn) Used by layerDef, staffDef, and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the logical domain related to beaming.
beam.group(optional)Provides an example of how automated beaming (including secondary beams) is to be
performed.
Value is plain text.
beam.rests(optional)Indicates whether automatically-drawn beams should include rests shorter than a
quarter note duration.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.mensural) Logical domain attributes for a score in the mensural repertoire. The
values set in these attributes act as score-wide defaults for attributes that are
not set in descendant elements.
(MEI.mensural) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the logical domain related to mensuration. The tempus, prolatio, modusmaior, and
modusminor attributes (from the att.mensural.shared class) specify the relationship
between the four principle levels of note value, , the long, breve, semibreve and
minim, in mensural notation. Modusminor describes the long-breve relationship, while
tempus describes the breve-semibreve, and prolatio the semibreve-minim relationship,
respectively. Modusmaior is for the maxima-long relationship. The proport.* attributes
describe augmentation or diminution of the normal value of the notes in mensural notation.
proport.num(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.num is for the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
proport.numbase(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.numbase is for the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
(MEI.mensural) Shared attributes in the mensural repertoire.
modusmaior(optional)Describes the maxima-long relationship.
Value conforms to data.MODUSMAIOR.
modusminor(optional)Describes the long-breve relationship.
Value conforms to data.MODUSMINOR.
prolatio(optional)Describes the semibreve-minim relationship.
Value conforms to data.PROLATIO.
tempus(optional)Describes the breve-semibreve relationship.
Value conforms to data.TEMPUS.
divisio(optional)Describes the divisions of the breve in use in 14th-century Italy.
Value conforms to data.DIVISIO.
(MEI.visual) Visual domain attributes for scoreDef in the CMN repertoire.
vu.height(optional)Defines the height of a "virtual unit" (vu) in terms of real-world units. A single
vu
is half the distance between adjacent staff lines where the interline space is measured
from the middle of a staff line.
Value is a token.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that capture the placement of bar lines.
bar.len(optional)States the length of bar lines in virtual units. The value must be greater than 0
and
is typically equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1); e.g., a value of 8 for a
5-line staff.
Value is a decimal number.
bar.method(optional)Records the method of barring.
Value conforms to data.BARMETHOD.
bar.place(optional)Denotes the staff location of bar lines, if the length is non-standard; that is, not
equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1).
Value conforms to data.STAFFLOC.
(MEI.visual) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the visual domain related to clefs.
clef.color(optional)Describes the color of the clef.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
clef.visible(optional)Determines whether the clef is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe distance from the staff.
dir.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for directives.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
dynam.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for dynamic marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
harm.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff of harmonic indications, such as guitar
chord grids or functional labels.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
reh.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for rehearsal marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
tempo.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for tempo marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that record ending style information
ending.rend(optional)Describes where ending marks should be displayed. Allowed values are: "top" (Ending rendered only above top staff.), "barred" (Ending rendered above staves that have bar lines drawn across them.), "grouped" (Endings rendered above staff groups.)
(MEI.visual) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the visual domain related to key signatures.
keysig.cancelaccid(optional)Determines where cautionary accidentals should be displayed at a key change.
Value conforms to data.CANCELACCID.
keysig.visible(optional)Determines whether the key signature is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe default typography of lyrics.
lyric.align(optional)Describes the alignment of lyric syllables associated with a note or chord.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
lyric.fam(optional)Sets the font family default value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTFAMILY.
lyric.name(optional)Sets the font name default value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTNAME.
lyric.size(optional)Sets the default font size value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
lyric.style(optional)Sets the default font style value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTSTYLE.
lyric.weight(optional)Sets the default font weight value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTWEIGHT.
(MEI.shared) Attributes pertaining to measure numbers
mnum.visible(optional)Indicates whether measure numbers should be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.visual) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the visual domain related to meter signature.
meter.form(optional)Contains an indication of how the meter signature should be rendered.
Value conforms to data.METERFORM.
meter.showchange(optional)Determines whether the old meter signature should be displayed when the meter
signature changes.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
meter.visible(optional)Determines whether the meter signature is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that indicate programmatic numbering.
multi.number(optional)Indicates whether programmatically calculated counts of multiple measures of rest
(mRest) and whole measure repeats (mRpt) in parts should be rendered.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that capture music font name and size.
music.name(optional)Sets the default music font name.
Value conforms to data.MUSICFONT.
music.size(optional)Sets the default music font size.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that record placement of notes on a single-line staff.
ontheline(optional)Determines the placement of notes on a 1-line staff. A value of true places all
notes on the line, while a value of false places stems-up notes above the line and
stems-down notes below the line.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes pertaining to layout optimization.
optimize(optional)Indicates whether staves without notes, rests, etc. should be displayed. When the
value is 'true', empty staves are not displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that record page-level layout information.
page.height(optional)Specifies the height of the page; may be expressed in real-world units or staff
steps.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.width(optional)Describes the width of the page; may be expressed in real-world units or staff
steps.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.topmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the top of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.botmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the bottom of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.leftmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the left side of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.rightmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the right side of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.panels(optional)Indicates the number of logical pages to be rendered on a single physical page.
Value conforms to data.PAGE.PANELS.
page.scale(optional)Indicates how the page should be scaled when rendered.
Value conforms to data.PGSCALE.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that capture notation spacing information.
spacing.packexp(optional)Describes a note’s spacing relative to its time value.
Value is a decimal number.
spacing.packfact(optional)Describes the note spacing of output.
Value is a decimal number.
spacing.staff(optional)Specifies the minimum amount of space between adjacent staves in the same system;
measured from the bottom line of the staff above to the top line of the staff
below.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
spacing.system(optional)Describes the space between adjacent systems; a pair of space-separated values
(minimum and maximum, respectively) provides a range between which a rendering
system-supplied value may fall, while a single value indicates a fixed amount of space;
that is, the minimum and maximum values are equal.
One or two values from data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED, separated by a space.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe items printed near (above, below, or between)
staves
aboveorderDescribes vertical order of items printed above a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
beloworderDescribes vertical order of items printed below a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
betweenorderDescribes vertical order of items printed between staves, from top to bottom.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that capture system layout information.
system.leftline(optional)Indicates whether the system starts with a continuous line connecting all staves,
including single-staff systems. Do not confuse this with the heavy vertical line used
as a grouping
symbol.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
system.leftmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the left system margin relative to
page.leftmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.rightmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the right system margin relative to
page.rightmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.topmar(optional)Describes the distance from page’s top edge to the first system; used for first page
only.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
(MEI.shared) Attributes that describe default text typography.
text.fam(optional)Provides a default value for the font family name of text (other than lyrics) when
this information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTFAMILY.
text.name(optional)Provides a default value for the font name of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTNAME.
text.size(optional)Provides a default value for the font size of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
text.style(optional)Provides a default value for the font style of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSTYLE.
text.weight(optional)Provides a default value for the font weight for text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTWEIGHT.
(MEI.cmn) Visual domain attributes.
(MEI.visual) Used by layerDef, staffDef, and scoreDef to provide default values for
attributes in the visual domain related to beaming.
beam.color(optional)Color of beams, including those associated with tuplets.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
beam.rend(optional)Encodes whether a beam is "feathered" and in which direction. Allowed values are: "acc" (Beam lines grow farther apart from left to right.), "rit" (Beam lines grow closer together from left to right.), "norm" (Beam lines are equally-spaced over the entire length of the beam.)
beam.slope(optional)Captures beam slope.
Value is a decimal number.
(MEI.visual) Visual domain attributes
grid.show(optional)Determines whether to display guitar chord grids.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
(MEI.cmn) Used by scoreDef and staffDef to provide default description of piano pedal
rendition.
pedal.style(optional)Determines whether piano pedal marks should be rendered as lines or as terms.
Value conforms to data.PEDALSTYLE.
(MEI.cmn) Attributes used by scoreDef and staffDef to provide default information
about rehearsal numbers/letters.
reh.enclose(optional)Describes the enclosing shape for rehearsal marks. Allowed values are: "box" (Enclosed by box.), "circle" (Enclosed by circle.), "none" (No enclosing shape.)
(MEI.cmn) Attributes that describe the rendition of slurs.
(MEI.mensural) Visual domain attributes for scoreDef in the mensural repertoire.
(MEI.visual) Used by staffDef and scoreDef to provide default values for attributes
in the visual domain related to mensuration.
mensur.color(optional)Records the color of the mensuration sign. Do not confuse this with the musical term
'color' as used in pre-CMN notation.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
mensur.dot(optional)Determines if a dot is to be added to the base symbol.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
mensur.form(optional)Indicates whether the base symbol is written vertically or horizontally. Allowed values are: "horizontal" (Horizontally oriented.), "vertical" (Vertically oriented.)
mensur.loc(optional)Holds the staff location of the mensuration sign.
Value conforms to data.STAFFLOC.
mensur.orient(optional)Describes the rotation or reflection of the base symbol.
Value conforms to data.ORIENTATION.
mensur.sign(optional)The base symbol in the mensuration sign/time signature of mensural notation.
Value conforms to data.MENSURATIONSIGN.
mensur.size(optional)Describes the relative size of the mensuration sign.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
mensur.slash(optional)Indicates the number lines added to the mensuration sign. For example, one slash is
added for what we now call 'alla breve'.
Value is a positive integer.
(MEI.stringtab) Visual domain attributes for scoreDef in the tablature repertoire.
Analytical component declarations.
key.accid(optional)Contains an accidental for the tonic key, if one is required, e.g., if key.pname
equals c and key.accid equals s, then a tonic of C# is indicated.
Value conforms to data.ACCIDENTAL.GESTURAL.
key.mode(optional)Indicates major, minor, or other tonality.
Value conforms to data.MODE.
key.pname(optional)Holds the pitch name of the tonic key, e.g., c for the key of C.
Value conforms to data.PITCHNAME.
Common Music Notation (CMN) repertoire component declarations.
beam.group(optional)Provides an example of how automated beaming (including secondary beams) is to be
performed.
Value is plain text.
beam.rests(optional)Indicates whether automatically-drawn beams should include rests shorter than a
quarter note duration.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
pedal.style(optional)Determines whether piano pedal marks should be rendered as lines or as terms.
Value conforms to data.PEDALSTYLE.
reh.enclose(optional)Describes the enclosing shape for rehearsal marks. Allowed values are: "box" (Enclosed by box.), "circle" (Enclosed by circle.), "none" (No enclosing shape.)
divisio(optional)Describes the divisions of the breve in use in 14th-century Italy.
Value conforms to data.DIVISIO.
modusmaior(optional)Describes the maxima-long relationship.
Value conforms to data.MODUSMAIOR.
modusminor(optional)Describes the long-breve relationship.
Value conforms to data.MODUSMINOR.
prolatio(optional)Describes the semibreve-minim relationship.
Value conforms to data.PROLATIO.
proport.num(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.num is for the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
proport.numbase(optional)Together, proport.num and proport.numbase specify a proportional change as a ratio,
e.g., 1:3. Proport.numbase is for the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
tempus(optional)Describes the breve-semibreve relationship.
Value conforms to data.TEMPUS.
MIDI component declarations.
midi.bpm(optional)Captures the number of *quarter notes* per minute. In MIDI, a beat is always defined
as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*.
Value conforms to data.MIDIBPM.
midi.channel(optional)Records a MIDI channel value.
Value conforms to data.MIDICHANNEL.
midi.duty(optional)Specifies the 'on' part of the duty cycle as a percentage of a note’s duration.
Value conforms to data.PERCENT.LIMITED.
midi.mspb(optional)Records the number of microseconds per *quarter note*. In MIDI, a beat is always
defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator of the time signature or the metronomic
indication*. At 120 quarter notes per minute, each quarter note will last 500,000
microseconds.
Value conforms to data.MIDIMSPB.
midi.port(optional)Sets the MIDI port value.
Value conforms to data.MIDIVALUE_NAME.
midi.track(optional)Sets the MIDI track.
Value is a positive integer.
ppq(optional)Indicates the number of pulses (sometimes referred to as ticks or divisions) per
quarter note. Unlike MIDI, MEI permits different values for a score and individual
staves.
Value is a positive integer.
Component declarations that are shared between two or more modules.
aboveorderDescribes vertical order of items printed above a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
bar.len(optional)States the length of bar lines in virtual units. The value must be greater than 0
and
is typically equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1); e.g., a value of 8 for a
5-line staff.
Value is a decimal number.
bar.method(optional)Records the method of barring.
Value conforms to data.BARMETHOD.
bar.place(optional)Denotes the staff location of bar lines, if the length is non-standard; that is, not
equal to 2 times (the number of staff lines - 1).
Value conforms to data.STAFFLOC.
beloworderDescribes vertical order of items printed below a staff, from closest to farthest
away
from the staff.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
betweenorderDescribes vertical order of items printed between staves, from top to bottom.
One or more values from data.STAFFITEM, separated by spaces.
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.
clef.dis(optional)Records the amount of octave displacement to be applied to the clef.
Value conforms to data.OCTAVE.DIS.
clef.dis.place(optional)Records the direction of octave displacement to be applied to the clef.
Value conforms to data.STAFFREL.basic.
clef.line(optional)Contains a default value for the position of the clef. The value must be in the range
between 1 and the number of lines on the staff. The numbering of lines starts with
the
lowest line of the staff.
Value conforms to data.CLEFLINE.
clef.shape(optional)Encodes a value for the clef symbol.
Value conforms to data.CLEFSHAPE.
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.
dir.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for directives.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
dur.default(optional)Contains a default duration in those situations when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have a duration specified.
Value conforms to data.DURATION.
dynam.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for dynamic marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
ending.rend(optional)Describes where ending marks should be displayed. Allowed values are: "top" (Ending rendered only above top staff.), "barred" (Ending rendered above staves that have bar lines drawn across them.), "grouped" (Endings rendered above staff groups.)
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.
harm.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff of harmonic indications, such as guitar
chord grids or functional labels.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
keysig(optional)Written key signature.
One or more values from data.KEYFIFTHS, 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.
lyric.align(optional)Describes the alignment of lyric syllables associated with a note or chord.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
lyric.fam(optional)Sets the font family default value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTFAMILY.
lyric.name(optional)Sets the font name default value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTNAME.
lyric.size(optional)Sets the default font size value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
lyric.style(optional)Sets the default font style value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTSTYLE.
lyric.weight(optional)Sets the default font weight value for lyrics.
Value conforms to data.FONTWEIGHT.
meter.count(optional)Captures the number of beats in a measure, that is, the top number of the meter
signature. It must contain a decimal number or an expression that evaluates to a
decimal number, such as 2+3 or 3*2.
Value is plain text.
meter.sym(optional)Indicates the use of a meter symbol instead of a numeric meter signature, that is,
'C'
for common time or 'C' with a slash for cut time.
Value conforms to data.METERSIGN.
meter.unit(optional)Contains the number indicating the beat unit, that is, the bottom number of the meter
signature.
Value is a decimal number.
mm(optional)Used to describe tempo in terms of beats (often the meter signature denominator) per
minute, ala M.M. (Maelzel’s Metronome). Do not confuse this attribute with midi.bpm
or
midi.mspb. In MIDI, a beat is always defined as a quarter note, *not the numerator
of the
time signature or the metronomic indication*.
Value conforms to data.TEMPOVALUE.
mm.dots(optional)Records the number of augmentation dots required by a dotted metronome unit.
Value conforms to data.AUGMENTDOT.
mm.unit(optional)Captures the metronomic unit.
Value conforms to data.DURATION.
mnum.visible(optional)Indicates whether measure numbers should be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
multi.number(optional)Indicates whether programmatically calculated counts of multiple measures of rest
(mRest) and whole measure repeats (mRpt) in parts should be rendered.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
music.name(optional)Sets the default music font name.
Value conforms to data.MUSICFONT.
music.size(optional)Sets the default music font size.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
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.
num.default(optional)Along with numbase.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. num.default
is
the first value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
numbase.default(optional)Along with num.default, describes the default duration as a ratio. numbase.default
is
the second value in the ratio.
Value is a positive integer.
oct.default(optional)Contains a default octave specification for use when the first note, rest, chord,
etc.
in a measure does not have an octave value specified.
Value conforms to data.OCTAVE.
ontheline(optional)Determines the placement of notes on a 1-line staff. A value of true places all
notes on the line, while a value of false places stems-up notes above the line and
stems-down notes below the line.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
optimize(optional)Indicates whether staves without notes, rests, etc. should be displayed. When the
value is 'true', empty staves are not displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
page.botmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the bottom of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.height(optional)Specifies the height of the page; may be expressed in real-world units or staff
steps.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.leftmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the left side of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.panels(optional)Indicates the number of logical pages to be rendered on a single physical page.
Value conforms to data.PAGE.PANELS.
page.rightmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the right side of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.scale(optional)Indicates how the page should be scaled when rendered.
Value conforms to data.PGSCALE.
page.topmar(optional)Indicates the amount of whitespace at the top of a page.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
page.width(optional)Describes the width of the page; may be expressed in real-world units or staff
steps.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
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.
reh.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for rehearsal marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
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.
spacing.packexp(optional)Describes a note’s spacing relative to its time value.
Value is a decimal number.
spacing.packfact(optional)Describes the note spacing of output.
Value is a decimal number.
spacing.staff(optional)Specifies the minimum amount of space between adjacent staves in the same system;
measured from the bottom line of the staff above to the top line of the staff
below.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
spacing.system(optional)Describes the space between adjacent systems; a pair of space-separated values
(minimum and maximum, respectively) provides a range between which a rendering
system-supplied value may fall, while a single value indicates a fixed amount of space;
that is, the minimum and maximum values are equal.
One or two values from data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED, separated by a space.
synch(optional)Points to elements that are synchronous with the current element.
One or more values from data.URI, separated by spaces.
system.leftline(optional)Indicates whether the system starts with a continuous line connecting all staves,
including single-staff systems. Do not confuse this with the heavy vertical line used
as a grouping
symbol.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
system.leftmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the left system margin relative to
page.leftmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.rightmar(optional)Describes the amount of whitespace at the right system margin relative to
page.rightmar.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
system.topmar(optional)Describes the distance from page’s top edge to the first system; used for first page
only.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTUNSIGNED.
tempo.dist(optional)Records the default distance from the staff for tempo marks.
Value conforms to data.MEASUREMENTSIGNED.
text.fam(optional)Provides a default value for the font family name of text (other than lyrics) when
this information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTFAMILY.
text.name(optional)Provides a default value for the font name of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTNAME.
text.size(optional)Provides a default value for the font size of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
text.style(optional)Provides a default value for the font style of text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTSTYLE.
text.weight(optional)Provides a default value for the font weight for text (other than lyrics) when this
information is not provided on the individual elements.
Value conforms to data.FONTWEIGHT.
trans.diat(optional)Records the amount of diatonic pitch shift, e.g., C to C♯ = 0, C to D♭ = 1, necessary
to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
trans.semi(optional)Records the amount of pitch shift in semitones, e.g., C to C♯ = 1, C to D♭ = 1,
necessary to calculate the sounded pitch from the written one.
Value is an integer.
tune.Hz(optional)Holds a value for cycles per second, i.e., Hertz, for a tuning reference pitch.
Value is a decimal number.
tune.pname(optional)Holds the pitch name of a tuning reference pitch, i.e., the central tone of a tuning system.
Value conforms to data.PITCHNAME.
tune.temper(optional)Provides an indication of the tuning system, just, for example.
Value conforms to data.TEMPERAMENT.
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.
Visual component declarations.
beam.color(optional)Color of beams, including those associated with tuplets.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
beam.rend(optional)Encodes whether a beam is "feathered" and in which direction. Allowed values are: "acc" (Beam lines grow farther apart from left to right.), "rit" (Beam lines grow closer together from left to right.), "norm" (Beam lines are equally-spaced over the entire length of the beam.)
beam.slope(optional)Captures beam slope.
Value is a decimal number.
clef.color(optional)Describes the color of the clef.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
clef.visible(optional)Determines whether the clef is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
grid.show(optional)Determines whether to display guitar chord grids.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
keysig.cancelaccid(optional)Determines where cautionary accidentals should be displayed at a key change.
Value conforms to data.CANCELACCID.
keysig.visible(optional)Determines whether the key signature is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
mensur.color(optional)Records the color of the mensuration sign. Do not confuse this with the musical term
'color' as used in pre-CMN notation.
Value conforms to data.COLOR.
mensur.dot(optional)Determines if a dot is to be added to the base symbol.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
mensur.form(optional)Indicates whether the base symbol is written vertically or horizontally. Allowed values are: "horizontal" (Horizontally oriented.), "vertical" (Vertically oriented.)
mensur.loc(optional)Holds the staff location of the mensuration sign.
Value conforms to data.STAFFLOC.
mensur.orient(optional)Describes the rotation or reflection of the base symbol.
Value conforms to data.ORIENTATION.
mensur.sign(optional)The base symbol in the mensuration sign/time signature of mensural notation.
Value conforms to data.MENSURATIONSIGN.
mensur.size(optional)Describes the relative size of the mensuration sign.
Value conforms to data.FONTSIZE.
mensur.slash(optional)Indicates the number lines added to the mensuration sign. For example, one slash is
added for what we now call 'alla breve'.
Value is a positive integer.
meter.form(optional)Contains an indication of how the meter signature should be rendered.
Value conforms to data.METERFORM.
meter.showchange(optional)Determines whether the old meter signature should be displayed when the meter
signature changes.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
meter.visible(optional)Determines whether the meter signature is to be displayed.
Value conforms to data.BOOLEAN.
vu.height(optional)Defines the height of a "virtual unit" (vu) in terms of real-world units. A single
vu
is half the distance between adjacent staff lines where the interline space is measured
from the middle of a staff line.
Value is a token.
corrContains the correct form of an apparent erroneous passage.
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.
corrContains the correct form of an apparent erroneous passage.
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.