Torculus Neume

The image displays a black musical neume centered on a partial staff of horizontal lines against a plain background. The torculus figure consists of three square black blocks: a lower left block, a higher middle block, and a lower right block, connected by vertical stems to form a single continuous melodic gesture.

The torculus represents a core melodic unit in medieval plainchant, specifically the melismatic notation used in Gregorian chant manuscripts. It signifies the transition from oral tradition to standardized written musical liturgy in the Latin church.