Compound Intervals

Definition

Compound intervals are musical intervals that span more than an octave. They are created by adding a whole number of octaves to a simple interval, resulting in a larger distance between the two notes. Understanding compound intervals is crucial for recognizing harmonic relationships and building chords, as they extend the foundational concepts of interval recognition beyond just simple intervals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A compound interval can be thought of as a simple interval plus one or more octaves.
2. For example, a major third (a simple interval) becomes a major tenth when it is extended by an octave.
3. Compound intervals can be identified using interval quality (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished) just like simple intervals.
4. When counting compound intervals, always start with the note you're on and count upwards to the top note while considering the octaves in between.
5. Understanding compound intervals is essential for composers and performers when creating and interpreting music that involves extended harmonies.

Review Questions

• How do you determine the quality of a compound interval when comparing it to simple intervals?
  • To determine the quality of a compound interval, you first identify its corresponding simple interval by subtracting the number of octaves involved. For instance, if you have a compound sixth (which is an octave plus a sixth), you recognize that it corresponds to a simple sixth. From there, you can determine whether the interval is major, minor, augmented, or diminished based on the distance between the two notes of the simple interval.
• Discuss the relationship between compound intervals and harmonic structures in music composition.
  • Compound intervals play a significant role in shaping harmonic structures in music composition. By extending simple intervals through octaves, composers can create richer harmonies that add depth to their music. For instance, when building chords like seventh or ninth chords, understanding how to utilize compound intervals allows for the incorporation of tension and resolution within the harmony, enhancing the overall emotional impact of a piece.
• Evaluate how understanding compound intervals can enhance a musician's ability to interpret complex musical passages.
  • Grasping compound intervals allows musicians to interpret complex musical passages with greater nuance. By recognizing how these extended intervals function within a piece, musicians can better understand the composer’s intent and the emotional qualities conveyed through harmonic progressions. This deeper insight enables musicians to make informed choices in dynamics, phrasing, and articulation, ultimately leading to a more expressive performance.

Related terms

Simple Intervals: Intervals that span one octave or less, such as seconds, thirds, fourths, etc.

Octave: The interval between one musical pitch and another with half or double its frequency, which creates a sense of pitch equivalence.

Dissonance: A combination of notes that creates tension and instability, often resolved by consonant intervals.