| Some time signatures used in the Neue Schutz Ausgabe (Barenreither, 1955--2008) differ from both modern signatures and contemporary mensuration signs, obscuring Schutz's original intentions. A review of the history of proportion signs from the late 14th century to the 17th century shows that the four basic mensuration signs of the late 14th century were the foundation of the proportion system throughout the period, and that the proportion signs of the 16 th and 17th century were adaptations of modus cum tempore signs and fractions. Although confusion was created through misunderstandings of the meanings of the signs and by attempts to reform the system, the original meanings of the mensuration-proportion signs were retained throughout the period.;A study of the proportion signs used in the Psalmen Davids (1619) and in the Symphoniae Sacrae III (1650), as well as several signs found in a few of his other works, shows that Schutz's notation is within the conventional practice of mensuration-proportion notation. Some of Schutz's signs are open to more than one interpretation, requiring an explanation of possible interpretations of the signs and some suggestions for modern performance. |
