Handwritten or printed form of musical notation that uses musical symbols to indicate the pitches, rhythms, or chords of a song or instrumental musical piece

concept

A private concert at night: people around a table are playing music, embracing and singing. Engraving after J. Leclerc.

A man points to a sheet of music as he and four others sing. Etching attributed to J. de Saint-Igny, ca. 1630.

A choir of men and boys rehearsing a performance of an oratorio. Etching by W. Hogarth, 1736.

Two musicians play the violin and lute as a woman sings. Engraving after D. Maggiotto.

The Christ Child, in the believer's heart, beats the time from a songbook while angels accompany him with musical instruments. Engraving by A. Wierix, ca. 1600.

Four musicians at a performance: the violinist points with his bow at the sheet music as another man plays the theorbo, and a guitar is placed on the table. Etching.

A man is sitting on a stage playing a keyboard instrument; a sheet of music and words is hanging from a line above his head. Etching, 16--.

Two young women making music, while a young man brings them a drink. Lithograph by L. van den Wildenberg after G. Ter Borch (Terborch).

A woman holding a songbook (left) and a man holding a glass (right) are singing to the accompaniment of a man playing the violin. Etching  after A. van Ostade.

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Four musicians at a performance: the violinist points with his bow at the sheet music as another man plays the theorbo, and a guitar is placed on the table. Etching.

Two musicians play the violin and lute as a woman sings. Engraving after D. Maggiotto.

A man is sitting on a stage playing a keyboard instrument; a sheet of music and words is hanging from a line above his head. Etching, 16--.

Two young women making music, while a young man brings them a drink. Lithograph by L. van den Wildenberg after G. Ter Borch (Terborch).

A woman holding a songbook (left) and a man holding a glass (right) are singing to the accompaniment of a man playing the violin. Etching after A. van Ostade.