Natural

Definition

In music, a natural is an accidental that cancels any previous sharps or flats applied to a note, returning it to its original pitch. This is essential for clarifying the intended pitch of a note within the context of key signatures and overall musical notation. Naturals play a crucial role in establishing the relationship between notes, ensuring that musicians interpret written music accurately.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturals are represented by a specific symbol resembling a stylized 'N' and can be placed on any line or space of the staff.
2. When a natural is used, it applies only to the note on which it is placed, unless otherwise indicated by additional accidentals in the same measure.
3. Naturals can appear in pieces with complex key signatures, helping to clarify unexpected pitches and maintain harmonic coherence.
4. In piano music, naturals reset the pitch of a key that may have been altered by prior accidentals, allowing for smooth transitions between different musical ideas.
5. The use of naturals can greatly affect the interpretation of melodies and harmonies, emphasizing certain notes and contributing to overall musical expression.

Review Questions

• How do naturals function in relation to accidentals within a piece of music?
  • Naturals serve as specific accidentals that negate any previous sharps or flats applied to a note. When a natural is placed before a note, it effectively resets that note to its original pitch within the context of the scale being used. This ensures that musicians can accurately interpret and play the music as intended, especially in complex pieces where multiple accidentals may be present.
• Discuss the importance of naturals in clarifying musical passages that contain multiple accidentals.
  • Naturals play a crucial role in clarifying musical passages where multiple accidentals are present. By indicating when a note should return to its original pitch, naturals help prevent confusion for performers who might otherwise misinterpret the intended melody or harmony. This is particularly significant in longer compositions where many changes in pitch occur, as naturals guide musicians through these fluctuations and maintain the integrity of the piece.
• Evaluate how the use of naturals can influence the overall expression and interpretation of a musical piece.
  • The strategic use of naturals can significantly influence both expression and interpretation in music. By restoring certain notes to their natural state, composers can highlight specific pitches, creating tension or resolution as needed. This impact on melodic lines and harmonic structures allows musicians to convey deeper emotional nuances and intentions behind the music. An understanding of how naturals affect pitch and context enables performers to interpret compositions with greater depth and insight.

Related terms

Accidental: Symbols such as sharps, flats, and naturals that alter the pitch of a note from its original state.

Key Signature: A set of sharp or flat symbols placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the key of a piece of music.

Pitch: The perceived frequency of a sound, which determines how high or low a note sounds.