what are microtones in music?
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Microtones are intervals smaller than the conventional Western musical semitone. In Western music, the octave is typically divided into 12 equal parts, which correspond to the 12 semitones on a piano keyboard. Microtones refer to the smaller divisions of this octave.
A microtone is generally defined as an interval smaller than a semitone but larger than a quarter tone. While a semitone divides the octave into 12 equal parts, a microtone can divide it into even smaller divisions, such as 24 or 36 equal parts. This allows for a wider range of pitch variations and tonal possibilities within a musical composition.
Microtones are commonly used in non-Western musical traditions, such as Indian classical music, Middle Eastern music, and various folk traditions. These musical systems often incorporate intricate melodic nuances and ornaments that require more finely tuned intervals than the Western semitone allows. Instruments like the sitar, oud, and qanun, among others, are designed to play microtonal intervals.
In recent years, microtonal music has also gained interest in contemporary Western classical and experimental music. Composers and performers have explored microtonal scales and tunings, incorporating them into their compositions. Some musicians use specially designed instruments or modify existing instruments to accommodate microtonal intervals.
Microtones offer composers and musicians additional expressive possibilities and can create unique and distinctive sounds that deviate from the standard Western tonal system. Exploring microtonal music can involve experimenting with new harmonies, scales, and melodic structures, challenging traditional Western notions of pitch and tonality.
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