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The essence of Guido’s innovation can be examined through the melody he employed. Each phrase of the piece began with a note that ascended incrementally in pitch on the musical staff. This deliberate pattern allowed for the creation of an easy-to-remember mnemonic device associated with the musical scale. The text that Guido adapted was an existing hymn, likely attributed to the eighth-century Lombard historian Paolo Statica, which when translated roughly conveys a plea for divine help, calling upon St. John to cleanse their lips so they might praise his deeds.
This combination facilitated a dual purpose: musical instruction and spiritual invocation.