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Microtonality refers to the use of musical intervals smaller than the conventional semitone, expanding the traditional Western music scale beyond the standard 12-tone equal temperament. It allows for a richer palette of sounds and can be found in various musical traditions around the world, offering composers and performers new avenues for expression.
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Equal temperament is a tuning system in which the octave is divided into equal parts, typically twelve, allowing for consistent interval spacing and facilitating modulation between keys. This system is widely used in Western music because it enables instruments to play in any key with minimal tuning discrepancies, making it ideal for diverse musical compositions and performances.
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Just Intonation is a musical tuning system that uses whole number ratios to define the intervals between notes, offering a purity of harmony not found in equal temperament tuning. It allows for the creation of chords and melodies with perfectly tuned intervals, but requires more complex adjustments and compromises when modulating between keys.
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Pythagorean tuning is a system of musical tuning in which the frequency ratios of all intervals are based on the ratio 3:2, known as the perfect fifth. This method, attributed to Pythagoras, creates a scale where all notes are derived from stacking perfect fifths, resulting in a pure and harmonious sound but with some intervals, like the major third, being less consonant than in other tuning systems.
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Spectral music is a compositional approach that focuses on the analysis, transformation, and synthesis of the spectral components of sound, using the properties of sound waves and their frequency spectra as a primary basis for composition. This genre emphasizes timbre and texture over traditional harmony and melody, often employing computer-based analysis for inspiration and realization.
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An interval in music refers to the difference in pitch between two notes, serving as a foundational element for melody and harmony. It is measured in terms of the number of steps between notes and their quality, which can be major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished, influencing the emotional and harmonic context of the music.
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Tuning systems are methods of assigning pitches to the twelve notes of the octave to achieve desired musical qualities, affecting harmony, melody, and the overall sound of music. Different Tuning systems can emphasize various musical intervals and can be crucial in different musical traditions and styles, impacting the emotional and aesthetic experience of music.
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The harmonic series is an infinite series whose terms are the reciprocals of the positive integers, and it is known for diverging despite the fact that its terms approach zero. This series plays a crucial role in various fields of mathematics, including number theory and analysis, and its divergence is a foundational example in the study of infinite series.
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Portamento is a musical technique that involves smoothly gliding from one note to another, creating a continuous transition between pitches. It is commonly used in vocal and string performances to add expressiveness and emotional depth to the music.
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A semitone is the smallest musical interval commonly used in Western music, representing the pitch difference between two adjacent keys on a piano. It serves as the fundamental building block of scales and chords, crucial for understanding musical harmony and melody.
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Modern Classical Music represents a broad spectrum of compositions from the late 19th century to the present, blending traditional classical forms with innovative techniques and new technologies. It challenges conventional boundaries, incorporating diverse influences and exploring new sonic landscapes, thereby expanding the scope and definition of classical music.
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Instrument versatility refers to the ability of a musical instrument to produce a wide range of sounds, styles, and dynamics, making it adaptable across various musical genres and settings. This adaptability not only enhances the musician's expressive capabilities but also increases the instrument's value and utility in diverse musical contexts.
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Musical tuning refers to the system of adjusting the pitches of notes so they sound in harmony with each other, a fundamental aspect that shapes the emotional and aesthetic qualities of music. It involves the precise calibration of intervals between notes, which can vary widely across different musical cultures and historical periods, leading to a rich diversity of musical expressions.
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Modernism in music represents a radical departure from traditional forms and tonality, embracing dissonance, atonality, and innovative compositional techniques. It reflects the broader cultural and intellectual movements of the early 20th century, challenging listeners' expectations and expanding the boundaries of musical expression.
Unconventional musical structures challenge traditional forms and expectations, offering fresh auditory experiences by deviating from standard song formats, harmonic progressions, and rhythmic patterns. They often incorporate innovative techniques and technologies, pushing the boundaries of how music is composed, performed, and perceived.
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A tuning system is a set of rules or standards used to adjust the pitch of musical instruments so that they can play together harmoniously. It determines the frequency of notes and the intervals between them, which is crucial for the creation of music that is pleasing to the ear.
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Musical pitch refers to the perception of how high or low a sound is, which is primarily determined by the frequency of the sound wave. It is a fundamental aspect of music that influences melody, harmony, and the emotional impact of a piece.
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Contemporary Music Theory explores the evolving landscape of music composition and analysis, focusing on the 20th century to the present. It integrates traditional music theory with modern techniques, technologies, and genres, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding today's diverse musical expressions.
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Avant-garde music is an innovative and experimental approach that challenges the boundaries of traditional music by incorporating unconventional sounds, structures, and techniques. It often serves both as a reflection of contemporary societal issues and as a precursor to new musical movements, encouraging listeners to rethink the auditory experience.
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