Semitone: The smallest musical interval commonly used in Western music, equating to the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano, whether black to white or white to black.

Context and Significance

The semitone is fundamental in Western music, forming the building blocks of scales, melodies, and harmonies. It is crucial in genres such as classical, jazz, and modern music for creating tension and resolution. Semitones are notably used in chromatic scales, enhancing musical pieces by adding depth and emotional contrast. On instruments like the piano and guitar, semitones are the smallest pitch changes a player can make, essential for nuanced musical expression and intricate compositions.

Historical Background

The concept of the semitone dates back to ancient Greek music theory, where it was recognized as a basic unit of measurement in musical tuning systems. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the semitone became a vital component of musical composition, integral to the development of the twelve-tone equal temperament system. This system, widely adopted in Western music, allowed composers to explore new harmonic possibilities and complex key modulations, establishing the semitone as a cornerstone of modern music theory.

Examples

In Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, semitones are used extensively to explore the harmonic capabilities of the equal temperament system. The use of semitones in Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor creates a haunting, melancholy atmosphere. In jazz, musicians like John Coltrane employ semitones to add tension and color to solos, showcasing the interval’s versatility across different musical styles.

Related Terms

Whole Tone: An interval consisting of two semitones.

Chromatic Scale: A scale consisting entirely of semitones.

Microtone: An interval smaller than a semitone, used in some non-Western musical traditions.

« Back to Glossary Index