DOUBLE SHARP Meaning and
Definition
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Double sharp is a musical term used to describe a symbol that indicates one step or note higher in pitch than what is conventionally written. It is denoted by placing two sharp signs (♯♯) before a note. Traditionally, sharp raises a pitch by a semitone, but double sharp raises a pitch by two semitones. Essentially, it acts as an intensified version of the ordinary sharp.
In music notation, the double sharp symbol is sometimes used when there is a need to temporarily raise a note that is already sharp. For instance, if a note is written as E♯ and then needs to be raised by another whole step, it would instead be notated as E double sharp (E♯♯). Therefore, the double sharp is primarily employed to modify or alter a previously sharp note, enhancing its pitch.
When a double sharp is encountered in a musical composition, it indicates a higher tonal quality compared to a single sharp. The double sharp has a significant impact on the melodic and harmonic structure of the music, often creating tension or dissonance. Its use is more common in advanced classical music, particularly compositions written in keys that naturally contain a lot of sharps.
Overall, double sharp serves as a valuable tool in music notation, allowing composers and performers to notate and perform highly chromatic music with accuracy and precision.
Common Misspellings for DOUBLE SHARP
- souble sharp
- xouble sharp
- couble sharp
- fouble sharp
- rouble sharp
- eouble sharp
- diuble sharp
- dkuble sharp
- dluble sharp
- dpuble sharp
- d0uble sharp
- d9uble sharp
- doyble sharp
- dohble sharp
- dojble sharp
- doible sharp
- do8ble sharp
- do7ble sharp
- douvle sharp
- dounle sharp
Etymology of DOUBLE SHARP
The word "double sharp" has its etymology rooted in the tradition of Western classical music and theory. In music notation, a sharp sign (#) placed before a note raises its pitch by a half step. However, in certain musical contexts, a note might require an additional half step raise in pitch. To denote this, the double sharp symbol (×) is used.
Etymologically, the term "sharp" can be traced back to the Old English word "scearp" or "scearpe", meaning "cutting" or "piercing". This word was later assimilated into the Old High German as "scarf", signifying "sharp". Over time, "sharp" came to be associated with raising the pitch of a note.
The prefix "double" in the term "double sharp" simply indicates an added level of "sharpness" or a further increase in pitch.
Similar spelling words for DOUBLE SHARP
- double knit,
- double gold,
- Double Creme,
- double quick,
- double jeopardy,
- double-space,
- double star,
- double standard,
- double eagle,
- double-glaze,
- double cream,
- double saucepan,
- double-check,
- double chin,
- double stopping,
- doublespeak,
- double check,
- double quotes,
- double clinch,
- double salt,
- double crochet,
- double cross,
- double stitch,
- double agent.
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