Solmization is a method of assigning a unique syllable to each note in a musical scale. In the 16th century, this system was used widely in the teaching of singing. The Guidonian hand was a mnemonic device used in conjunction with the Solmization method. It was a visual aid where each joint of the hand represented a specific musical note. This made it easier to memorize melodies and intervals. This technique was attributed to Guido of Arezzo, an Italian monk from the 11th century, but it was still in use in the 16th century. It had a significant impact on the teaching of music theory and composition.
Solmization and the Guidonian hand in the 16th century
“When You Come Together” (1 Cor 14:26)