Final answer:
The basis of present-day musical notation was developed in the Medieval period, with Guido of Arezzo often credited with creating elements of the modern system. The Gutenberg press played a pivotal role in spreading this system, which was later innovated by composers such as Arnold Schoenberg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system of musical notation that forms the basis of present-day musical notation was invented during the Medieval period. The foundation was laid for not only the notational system but also for the theoretical practices that shaped western music, such as rhythm and polyphony. While Guido of Arezzo is often credited with the creation of modern musical staves and the notation that allows the precise representation of pitch and time, there were also significant developments in the theory of music.
As time went on, the invention of the Gutenberg press made the widespread distribution of this music and musical theory possible, further solidifying the system used today. The increasing demand for music among the bourgeois class and the utilization of music in educational and religious settings also contributed to the standardization of musical practices. Over time, notational practices would continue to evolve with composers like Arnold Schoenberg challenging traditional tonality concepts and advancing the language of music even further.
Musical notes are indeed a unique "language" that is inherently understood by musicians across the world regardless of their native spoken tongue. This universality and the emotional connection it facilitates are what Michael Tilson Thomas highlights in his discussion about the evolution of music and its notation through time.