QUARTERTONE Meaning and
Definition
-
A "quartertone" is a musical term that refers to the division of a whole tone, or whole step, into two equal smaller intervals. It represents an extremely small interval between two adjacent pitches, which is half the size of a semitone or half step. In Western music, the standard musical scale is divided into 12 equal semitones per octave. However, in various non-Western and experimental musical traditions, the pitch system includes smaller divisions than semitones.
The concept of quartertones emerged as a way to expand the tonal possibilities beyond the conventional Western tuning system. It allows for more intricate melodic and harmonic structures that explore the expressive nuances between semitones. By introducing quartertones, composers and performers can achieve a more finely tuned and microtonal sound palette, providing a broader range of tonal colors and enhanced expressive capabilities.
The notation of quartertones varies depending on the musical tradition and the context in which they are used. Different symbols or techniques may be employed to notate these minute pitch differences, such as accidentals, microtonal notation, or specific symbols created for quartertones.
Overall, quartertones enrich the sonic language of music by offering an expanded tonal vocabulary that goes beyond the traditional Western equal temperament, opening doors to a wide range of musical possibilities and experimentation in contemporary compositions.
Common Misspellings for QUARTERTONE
- 1uartertone
- 2uartertone
- wuartertone
- auartertone
- qyartertone
- qhartertone
- qjartertone
- qiartertone
- q8artertone
- q7artertone
- quzrtertone
- qusrtertone
- quwrtertone
- quqrtertone
- quaetertone
- quadtertone
- quaftertone
- quattertone
- qua5tertone
Etymology of QUARTERTONE
The word "quartertone" is composed of two parts: "quarter" and "tone".
1. "Quarter": In this context, "quarter" refers to a division or subdivision of a whole. It comes from the Middle English word "quarter", which originated from the Old English word "feowertēne". It is a combination of "feower" (four) and "tēne" (tenth).
2. "Tone": "Tone" comes from the Middle English word "tonus", which in turn came from the Latin word "tonus" meaning "a sound" or "a tone". It has its roots in the Greek word "tonos", which also means "tension" or "stretching".
Therefore, the term "quartertone" essentially means a division or subdivision of a whole tone, reflecting the idea of dividing the traditional Western whole tone into even smaller intervals.
Similar spelling words for QUARTERTONE
- quarter round,
- quarterdeck,
- quarterman,
- quarter stock,
- quarter crack,
- quarter note,
- quarterly,
- quarterstaff,
- quartermaster,
- quarterlight,
- quarter tone,
- quarter plate,
- quarter-tone,
- quarterfinal,
- quarter horse,
- quarter-circle,
- quarters,
- quarter-vine,
- quarterback,
- quarter mile,
- quartering,
- quarter rest,
- quartern,
- quarter-hour,
- quarter day,
- quartervine.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
