Essays on musical notation of the twentieth century create an idea of ​ ​ the versatility of musical trends of the twentieth century, the connection of music with a common modern worldview and philosophy, as well as the interdependence of modern composer techniques and methods of their fixation. The book gives classification and definitions of the types of modern notation, poses the problem of notation as a semiotic system. The notational work of outstanding contemporary composers around the world is analyzed and a large number of musical examples little-known to the Russian reader are given. The publication contains an extensive reference apparatus.