SESQUIALTER Meaning and
Definition
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Sesquialter is a term commonly used in music theory and composition to describe a specific type of rhythmic relationship between two or more musical parts or voices. It refers to a proportion or ratio of one and a half to one, in terms of note values or durations.
In the context of music, sesquialter can be understood as a rhythmic relationship in which one part or voice has a duration that is one and a half times longer or shorter than the duration of another part or voice. For example, if one voice plays a half note while another voice plays a quarter note, these two parts would be in a sesquialter relationship.
The concept of sesquialter can be traced back to medieval and Renaissance musical compositions, where it was often used to create polyphonic textures and intricate rhythmic interplay between different voices. It was particularly prevalent in sacred music of the time, such as motets and choral compositions.
Today, sesquialter relationships are still used by composers to add complexity and interest to their compositions. It can create a sense of tension and rhythmic contrast, as well as contribute to the overall rhythmic structure and character of a piece.
In summary, sesquialter refers to a rhythmic relationship in music where one part has a duration that is one and a half times longer or shorter than another part, adding complexity and contrasting rhythms to a composition.
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Denoting the relation of 1 1/2 to 1.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SESQUIALTER
- aesquialter
- zesquialter
- xesquialter
- desquialter
- eesquialter
- wesquialter
- swsquialter
- sssquialter
- sdsquialter
- srsquialter
- s4squialter
- s3squialter
- seaquialter
- sezquialter
- sexquialter
- sedquialter
- seequialter
- sewquialter
- ses1uialter
- ses2uialter
Etymology of SESQUIALTER
The word "sesquialter" comes from the Latin term "sesqui", meaning "one and a half", and "alter", meaning "other". Thus, "sesquialter" literally translates to "one and a half other". In medieval Latin, it was used as a musical term to indicate a ratio of 3:2 in the length of musical notes. Over time, the term started to be used more broadly to refer to the idea of a ratio of one and a half or any related concepts.
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