A Preliminary Proposal for a Systematic GABC Encoding of Gregorian Chant

In the last years, several approaches have addressed the encoding of the different music scripts used for plainchant. One of these approaches is the GABC format. While being a comprehensive symbolic representation of square notation, the lack of a formal specification for GABC usually leads to ambiguities, which must be avoided in the specification of any encoding format. Sometimes, the simple trial-and-error approach of entering the GABC code into an engraving system—such as Illuminare, Scrib.io, or GABC Transcription Tool—can solve this ambiguity. However, these engraving systems have shown some inconsistency among themselves when rendering GABC, sometimes displaying different music for the same code snippet. This paper presents a systematic approach to encoding Gregorian chant originally written in Aquitanian neumes and square notation to eliminate ambiguities inherent in the GABC specification. By formalizing the grammar of GABC, we address the challenges of inaccurate renderings in current music notation software. Our methodology includes developing a “Systematic GABC” (S-GABC) following a critical and scientific mentality to ensure the endurance of the notation. This paper demonstrates our system’s effectiveness in standardizing Gregorian chant encoding, offering significant contributions to digital musicology and enhancing the accuracy of musical heritage digitization.