MICROTONAL MUSIC Meaning and
Definition
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Microtonal music is a genre of music that explores pitches and intervals that lie outside of the traditional Western musical scales. It refers to music that employs intervals smaller than the standard semitone, allowing for a greater range of pitches, tones, and intricate arrangements. In microtonal music, the octave is divided into more than the 12 equal parts used in Western music, introducing quarter-tones, eighth-tones, and even smaller intervals.
This form of music challenges the conventional system of tuning and embraces alternative tuning systems such as just intonation, meantone temperament, or various equal temperaments. This means that microtonal music can have divergent harmonic and melodic possibilities as it deviates from the familiar tonal structures commonly found in Western music.
Microtonal music exploits the more precise and subtle variations of pitch, enabling composers and musicians to explore unique tonal colors and emotional depth. The incorporation of microtones can provide new nuances and textures, creating a rich and exotic sonic landscape.
Musicians and composers of microtonal music employ instruments specifically designed or adapted to produce microtones accurately. They may also employ electronic devices, samplers, or modified acoustic instruments in order to achieve the precise intonation necessary for this form of music.
Microtonal music can be found across various cultures and contexts throughout history, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern-day compositions. It offers a distinctive sonic experience for both performers and listeners alike, challenging our perception of pitch and expanding the possibilities of musical expression.
Etymology of MICROTONAL MUSIC
The word "microtonal" is derived from the combination of two root words: "micro" and "tonal".
The term "micro" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small. It is commonly used as a prefix in English to denote something small in size or scale. In the context of music, "micro" refers to the concept of dividing the traditional Western musical scale into even smaller intervals than those found in standard tonal systems.
The word "tonal" is rooted in the Latin word "tonus", which relates to pitch or sound. It is often used in the context of music theory to describe the organization of sounds within a particular system or scale.
Therefore, the term "microtonal music" can be understood to mean music that explores the realm of small or minute intervals within a tonal system.
