MICROTONE Meaning and
Definition
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Microtone is a musical term used to describe a pitch interval that is smaller than a semitone or half step. It refers to the smallest unit of pitch found in a particular musical system. A microtone is a division of the octave that is smaller than the standard divisions used in most Western music, such as the semitone or whole tone.
In traditional Western music, pitches are divided into semitones, which are the smallest intervals between two distinct pitches. However, in many other musical systems, particularly those of non-Western cultures, smaller pitch intervals exist. These smaller divisions are referred to as microtones.
The concept of microtones has been explored and utilized in various musical traditions throughout history. In Western classical music, composers such as Charles Ives, Béla Bartók, and György Ligeti have experimented with microtones to create new and unique tonalities. In non-Western music, particularly in traditions such as Indian classical music and Arabic maqam, microtones play a fundamental role in melodic and harmonic systems.
Microtones can be expressed through various means, including differing fingerings on instruments, vocal techniques, and the use of specialized instruments that are capable of producing these smaller pitch divisions. The use of microtones adds intricacy and richness to musical compositions, expanding the sonic palette beyond the conventional pitches found in Western music.
Common Misspellings for MICROTONE
- macrotoine
- nicrotone
- kicrotone
- jicrotone
- mucrotone
- mjcrotone
- mkcrotone
- mocrotone
- m9crotone
- m8crotone
- mixrotone
- mivrotone
- mifrotone
- midrotone
- miceotone
- micdotone
- micfotone
- mictotone
- mic5otone
- mic4otone
Etymology of MICROTONE
The word "microtone" is derived from the Greek words "mikros" (μικρός), meaning "small" or "tiny", and "tonos" (τόνος), meaning "tone" or "pitch". In Greek music theory, the term "microtonos" referred to any interval smaller than a whole tone. This concept was later adopted by Western music to describe pitches or intervals that fall between the conventional notes of the chromatic scale.
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