Musicalness (/ˈmjuːzɪk(ə)lnəs/) is the quality of being musical or having musical talent. The spelling of "musicalness" follows the standard English rules of adding the suffix "-ness" to the base word "musical". The pronunciation features the long "u" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /uː/, followed by the "z" sound, represented by /z/. The second syllable features the schwa sound represented by the IPA symbol /ə/. Overall, "musicalness" is a straightforward and commonly used word in the English language.
Musicalness is a noun derived from the adjective "musical," which refers to anything related to or characteristic of music. It is defined as the quality or state of being musical, possessing the essential attributes or qualities of music.
Musicalness encompasses several dimensions that are intrinsic to the art and practice of music. Firstly, it encompasses the presence of harmony, melody, rhythm, and dynamics, which are the foundations of musical composition. These components intertwine to create a pleasing or aesthetically sound piece of music.
Furthermore, musicalness also includes the ability to evoke emotions and the human capacity to interpret and appreciate the artistic expression conveyed through music. It is often experienced as a sense of connection and resonance with the sounds and patterns that form a musical composition.
Musicalness is not only limited to the structural and emotional aspects of music but also extends to the technical and performative aspects. It encompasses the skill and craftsmanship required to play musical instruments, sing, or compose music.
Moreover, musicalness can also be applied to other domains outside of strictly traditional music. It can refer to the presence of rhythmic and melodic qualities within spoken language or the ability to create harmony and balance in other art forms, such as visual arts, theater, and dance.
In summary, musicalness refers to the quality of being musical, encompassing aspects related to structure, emotion, skill, and artistic expression, both within the realm of music and beyond.
The quality of being musical.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "musicalness" does not have an established etymology as it is a derivative form of the word "musical". "Musical" comes from the Middle English word "musicale", which originated from the Latin word "musicalis", meaning "pertaining to music". The word ultimately traces back to the Greek word "mousikos", denoting "related to the Muses" (the nine goddesses in Greek mythology associated with various arts). However, "musicalness" is not as commonly used or recognized as "musical" itself.