Explore the Intriguing World of Microtonality and Unconventional Notations
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Microtonality
- Microtonal Terminology
- 2.1 Microtonality
- 2.2 Zen Harmonic Polychromatic
- 2.3 Overtone Series
- 2.4 Undertone Series
- 2.5 Just Intonation
- 2.6 X-EDO
- 2.7 Equally Divided Octave (EDO)
- 2.8 Tone Equal Temperament (TET)
- 2.9 12-TET System
- 2.10 Cent
- 2.11 Quarter Tone
- Divisions of the Whole Tone
- 3.1 24-TET
- 3.2 Whole Tone
- 3.3 Quarter Tone
- 3.4 Fifth Tone
- 3.5 Quartacoma Meantone
- 31-TET
- 4.1 Balancing Overtone Series and Chromaticism
- 4.2 Pythagorean Comma
- 4.3 Syntonic Comma
- Notating Microtones
- 5.1 Shad
- 5.2 Flop
- 5.3 Fries
- 5.4 Heart
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction to Microtonality
Microtonality is a concept that explores the musical space beyond the standard 12-note system used in Western music. It delves into the world of microtones, which are intervals smaller than a semitone. In this article, we will delve into the terminology associated with microtonality, discussing various terms that are commonly used in this field. By the end of this article, you will have a deeper understanding of microtonality and the language used to describe it.
Microtonal Terminology
2.1 Microtonality
Microtonality refers to the use and study of microtones in music. Microtones are intervals smaller than a semitone, allowing for a more nuanced and expressive tonal language.
2.2 Zen Harmonic Polychromatic
Zen Harmonic Polychromatic is a term used to describe the vast array of tonal colors and harmonies that emerge from microtonal music.
2.3 Overtone Series
The overtone series is a fundamental concept in microtonality. It refers to the infinite series of harmonics that are produced by a fundamental frequency. The first five notes of the overtone series form a major triad and serve as the foundation for harmony.
2.4 Undertone Series
The undertone series is the inversion of the overtone series. It consists of a series of pitches that are multiples of the fundamental frequency, but in the descending order.
2.5 Just Intonation
Just intonation is a tuning system based on the use of pure intervals derived from the overtone series. It offers a more natural and consonant sound but faces challenges when transposed into different key signatures.
2.6 X-EDO
X-EDO refers to the equal division of the octave into X parts, where X can be any number. This tuning system allows for transpositions in different key signatures.
2.7 Equally Divided Octave (EDO)
EDO is a tuning system that divides the octave into equal parts, resulting in a specific number of pitches within an octave.
2.8 Tone Equal Temperament (TET)
Tone Equal Temperament is the Western tuning system used in 12-TET, where there are 12 equally spaced pitches within an octave.
2.9 12-TET System
The 12-TET system is the most common tuning system used in Western music, dividing the octave into 12 equal semitones. It is widely used but has imperfections when compared to the harmonic series.
2.10 Cent
Cent is a unit of measurement used to describe pitch deviation in the 12-TET system. 100 cents make up one semitone.
2.11 Quarter Tone
A quarter tone refers to an interval that is half the size of a semitone in the 12-TET system. It is often used to notate non-western scales and melodies.
Continue reading the article to explore the remaining sections and learn more about microtonality.
Divisions of the Whole Tone
3.1 24-TET
Doubling the 12-TET system results in 24-TET, where the smallest step size is half a semitone or a quarter tone. However, even with 24 divisions, it still provides only approximate representations of most overtones.
3.2 Whole Tone
The whole tone is an interval that spans two whole steps. It can be found in the overtone series and is commonly expressed as ratios such as nine to eight or ten to nine.
3.3 Quarter Tone
The quarter tone is an interval that is half the size of a 12-TET semitone. It is often used in non-western scales and melodies and allows for more nuanced tonal possibilities.
3.4 Fifth Tone
The fifth tone refers to the division of a whole tone into five equal parts. This subdivision allows for distinguishing between different pitches and is used to create distinct tonalities and harmonies.
3.5 Quartacoma Meantone
Quartacoma meantone is a historic tuning system popular in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe. It aimed to create better thirds by lowering fifths by a quarter of a syntonic comma.
Continue reading to discover the fascinating world of 31-TET and its significance in microtonality.
31-TET
4.1 Balancing Overtone Series and Chromaticism
31-TET is a tuning system that strikes a balance between the overtone series and chromaticism. It offers better intonation while retaining the familiar intervals of 12-TET and introducing new ones.
4.2 Pythagorean Comma
The Pythagorean comma is the discrepancy between 12 stacked pure fifths and a pure major third. It is approximately 23.46 cents and is divided into 12 equal parts in the 12-TET system.
4.3 Syntonic Comma
The syntonic comma is the difference between a stack of four pure fifths and a pure major third. It is one of many commas that arise when exploring microtonality and tuning systems.
Continue reading to learn about different notations used for microtones.
Notating Microtones
5.1 Shad
Shad is an accidental notation used to slightly raise a pitch in the sharp direction.
5.2 Flop
Flop is an accidental notation used to slightly lower a pitch in the flat direction.
5.3 Fries
Fries is an accidental notation used to further raise a pitch in the sharp direction.
5.4 Heart
Heart is an accidental notation used to further lower a pitch in the flat direction.
Continue reading to conclude your microtonal journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microtonality opens up a world of musical possibilities by exploring intervals smaller than the standard semitone. With a rich vocabulary of terms and concepts, microtonal music allows for more nuanced expressions and tonal colors. Whether it's through just intonations, X-EDO systems, or notations like shad and flop, microtonality offers a fresh and exciting approach to music. By understanding the terminology and tuning systems associated with microtonality, you can dive deeper into this fascinating musical landscape.
FAQ
Q: What is microtonality?
A: Microtonality is the use and study of intervals smaller than a semitone in music.
Q: What is the overtone series?
A: The overtone series is the infinite series of harmonics produced by a fundamental frequency.
Q: What is 12-TET?
A: 12-TET is the standard tuning system used in Western music, dividing the octave into 12 equal semitones.
Q: Can microtones be notated in different ways?
A: Yes, microtones can be notated using various accidental notations such as shad, flop, fries, and heart.
Q: What is the significance of 31-TET?
A: 31-TET strikes a balance between the harmonic series and chromaticism, offering better intonation and new tonal possibilities.
Q: How are microtones used in non-western scales and melodies?
A: Microtones, such as quarter tones, are often used in non-western music to create distinct tonalities and melodies.
Q: What are some historic tuning systems?
A: Quartacoma meantone is one historic tuning system that aimed to improve thirds by adjusting fifths.
Q: How does microtonality enhance musical expression?
A: Microtonality allows for more nuanced tonal colors and expressive possibilities in music.
Q: How can I notate microtonal music?
A: Microtones can be notated using various accidental notations or by specifying the division of the octave.
Q: Are microtonal instruments widely used?
A: Although microtonal instruments exist, the majority of Western music is still based on the 12-TET system.
Q: Where can I learn more about microtonality?
A: Visit the Zen Harmonic Wiki and explore further resources on microtonality.
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