Just intonation

Definition

Just intonation is a tuning system based on the natural harmonic series, where the intervals between notes are derived from whole number ratios. This approach allows for purer sounding intervals compared to equal temperament, which divides the octave into equal parts. Just intonation is especially relevant in contexts that utilize microtonality and spectral music, as it emphasizes the nuances of pitch and harmonic relationships that can be explored outside of traditional tuning systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Just intonation relies on simple whole number ratios, such as 3:2 for a perfect fifth, leading to harmonious and consonant sounds.
2. In just intonation, each note can change its tuning based on the context of surrounding notes, providing a flexible and dynamic approach to harmony.
3. Composers working with just intonation often use alternative notations or specialized instruments to accurately produce the desired pitches.
4. The application of just intonation can lead to unique and rich harmonic textures in microtonal compositions, distinguishing them from traditional Western music.
5. Just intonation is frequently explored in spectral music, where composers analyze sound spectra and create pitches based on the harmonics found within natural sounds.

Review Questions

• How does just intonation differ from equal temperament in terms of interval purity and musical expression?
  • Just intonation differs from equal temperament primarily in its focus on pure intervals derived from whole number ratios, resulting in a more consonant sound. While equal temperament allows for easy modulation between keys by equalizing the distances between notes, it compromises interval purity. Just intonation’s flexibility enables composers to create richer harmonic textures that can evoke specific emotions or sonic experiences not achievable with equal temperament.
• Discuss how microtonality utilizes just intonation to expand the palette of musical expression.
  • Microtonality uses just intonation to explore pitches that fall between the standard semitones of Western music. By incorporating these smaller intervals, composers can craft unique melodic lines and harmonies that capture subtleties in emotion and texture. This exploration can lead to innovative forms of expression and a departure from traditional tonal structures, enabling a fresh approach to composition and performance.
• Evaluate the significance of just intonation in spectral music and its impact on contemporary compositional techniques.
  • Just intonation holds significant importance in spectral music as it allows composers to engage deeply with the harmonic relationships present in sound spectra. By analyzing the natural overtones produced by various timbres, composers can derive pitches that reflect these harmonics, leading to innovative sonic landscapes. This approach influences contemporary compositional techniques by challenging conventional tuning systems and encouraging experimentation with pitch relationships, ultimately redefining how music is created and perceived.

Related terms

Equal temperament: A tuning system where the octave is divided into 12 equal parts, allowing for consistent modulation between keys but sacrificing some purity in intervals.

Microtonality: The use of intervals smaller than the conventional semitone, expanding the range of pitches available in music and allowing for varied expressive possibilities.

Harmonic series: A sequence of pitches that are whole number multiples of a fundamental frequency, serving as the basis for just intonation and informing natural tuning systems.