what happened in the 12th century that made the tritone possible

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28-10-2024

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The Rise of the Tritone: A Musical Revolution in the 12th Century

The tritone, a musical interval spanning six semitones, has a reputation for being dissonant, even demonic. But this interval, which sounds jarring to modern ears, wasn't always considered so. In fact, the tritone's journey from forbidden to favored reflects a fascinating shift in musical thought during the 12th century.

The Forbidden Interval:

Before the 12th century, the tritone was largely avoided in Western music. Its dissonant sound was associated with chaos and even the devil. According to a 12th-century treatise by Guido d'Arezzo, "The devil's interval is the tritone, for it breaks up the perfect consonances and destroys the perfection of the melody." This fear of the tritone was deeply rooted in the musical theory of the time, which emphasized consonance and harmony.

The Rise of the Tritone:

So what changed? The 12th century witnessed a surge in musical experimentation and innovation. Several key factors contributed to the acceptance of the tritone:

• The development of polyphony: The rise of polyphony, music with multiple melodic lines played simultaneously, pushed the boundaries of harmony. Composers began exploring new intervals and chords, including the previously shunned tritone.
• The influence of Arabic music: Medieval Europe had significant contact with the Arabic world, particularly in Spain. Arabic music, known for its use of complex scales and intervals, including the tritone, influenced European composers.
• A shift in musical aesthetics: As musical understanding evolved, the idea of consonance and dissonance began to change. What was once considered jarring and undesirable became a source of musical interest and expression.

The Tritone's Legacy:

The acceptance of the tritone in the 12th century marked a significant shift in musical thought. It paved the way for the development of more complex harmonies and expanded the possibilities for musical expression. The tritone, once feared as the "devil's interval," became a vital component of Western music, contributing to the development of various musical styles, including:

• Renaissance polyphony: Composers like Josquin Des Prez and William Byrd incorporated the tritone into their complex vocal works, creating rich and dramatic textures.
• Baroque music: The tritone played a crucial role in Baroque music, particularly in the works of composers like Bach and Vivaldi.
• Jazz and blues: The tritone, known as the "blue note" in jazz and blues, is a key element in creating a distinctive and expressive sound.

Beyond the Devil:

Today, the tritone is a widely accepted and even celebrated interval. Its dissonant quality can be used to create tension, drama, and excitement in music. The tritone's journey from the "devil's interval" to a fundamental building block of modern music is a testament to the ongoing evolution of musical thought and the enduring power of experimentation and innovation.

References:

• Guido d'Arezzo, Micrologus: A 12th-century treatise on music, available on Sciencedirect.
• A History of Western Music by Donald Jay Grout and Claude V. Palisca.

Additional Note: While the 12th century marked a turning point in the perception of the tritone, it's important to note that some composers continued to avoid it, while others embraced its dissonant qualities. The tritone's acceptance was a gradual process, and its usage varied depending on the composer and the style of music.