Tritone

Definition

A tritone is an interval that spans three whole tones, which can also be referred to as an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. This unique interval is characterized by its dissonant sound and has been historically associated with tension and instability in music. The tritone plays a crucial role in harmonic progressions and is pivotal in creating resolutions and voice leading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tritone divides the octave into two equal parts, making it the most dissonant interval in Western music.
2. In classical music, the tritone was often referred to as 'diabolus in musica' (the devil in music) due to its unsettling quality.
3. Tritones commonly occur in dominant seventh chords, where they create tension that resolves to the tonic chord.
4. In jazz and contemporary music, tritones are frequently used for color and tension, often resolved by common tones or chromatic movement.
5. Tritones can also serve as pivot points in modulation, allowing composers to transition smoothly between different keys.

Review Questions

• How does the tritone function in harmonic progressions, particularly within dominant seventh chords?
  • In harmonic progressions, the tritone is critical because it creates tension that resolves when moving to the tonic chord. In dominant seventh chords, the tritone is formed between the third and seventh degrees of the chord. This interval heightens the sense of instability and demands resolution, typically leading to a strong sense of closure when resolving to a consonant chord.
• Discuss the historical perceptions of the tritone and how these views have evolved in different musical styles.
  • Historically, the tritone was viewed with suspicion and even fear, often labeled 'diabolus in musica' for its dissonant sound. In classical music, this perception led to its careful use primarily for dramatic effect. However, as music evolved into jazz and contemporary genres, the tritone became embraced as a tool for creating tension and color within harmonies, reflecting a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of dissonance.
• Evaluate the role of tritones in voice leading and their impact on modulation between keys.
  • Tritones play an essential role in voice leading by serving as pivot points that facilitate smooth transitions between different chords and keys. When composing or arranging music, understanding how to resolve tritones effectively can enhance the coherence of a piece. Additionally, they enable modulation by providing points of tension that guide listeners through key changes, enriching the overall harmonic structure and maintaining interest.

Related terms

Dissonance:

A combination of tones that creates a sense of tension or conflict, often requiring resolution to a more consonant harmony.

Resolution:

The process of moving from a dissonant chord or interval to a consonant one, creating a sense of closure or satisfaction.

Voice Leading:

The smooth movement of individual musical lines or voices from one note to another, often highlighting the relationship between chords and intervals.