Difference between revisions of "Enharmonic"
JDWpianist (talk | contribs) (New page: The musical term '''enharmonic''' describes a note or notes which are the same, but whose spelling is different, or changed upon subsequent appearances. For example, a pitch written as an ...) |
JDWpianist (talk | contribs) (replaced flats and sharps with better-looking template) |
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| − | The musical term '''enharmonic''' describes a note or notes which are the same, but whose spelling is different, or changed upon subsequent appearances. For example, a pitch written as an | + | The musical term '''enharmonic''' describes a note or notes which are the same, but whose spelling is different, or changed upon subsequent appearances. For example, a pitch written as an E{{music|♭}} in one measure might be written as a D{{music|♯}} in the next. On a piano, these note names represent the same pitch, so composers have a reason for chaning the spelling. |
| − | Generally speaking, a sharp or flat, especially when it's not part of the piece's [[key signature]], implies a sense of direction as to where it is leading. In this sense, an | + | Generally speaking, a sharp or flat, especially when it's not part of the piece's [[key signature]], implies a sense of direction as to where it is leading. In this sense, an E{{music|♭}} wants to resolve downwards to a D, but a D{{music|♯}} wants to resolve upwards to an E. So when a composer changes the spelling of a note, they are indicating to the performer that the note's function has changed. Almost invariably this follows a drastic shift in harmony, making this practice one technique in which composers can change from one key to another, also known as enharmonic modulation. |
[[Category: Musical terms]] | [[Category: Musical terms]] | ||
Revision as of 21:12, April 7, 2009
The musical term enharmonic describes a note or notes which are the same, but whose spelling is different, or changed upon subsequent appearances. For example, a pitch written as an E♭ in one measure might be written as a D♯ in the next. On a piano, these note names represent the same pitch, so composers have a reason for chaning the spelling.
Generally speaking, a sharp or flat, especially when it's not part of the piece's key signature, implies a sense of direction as to where it is leading. In this sense, an E♭ wants to resolve downwards to a D, but a D♯ wants to resolve upwards to an E. So when a composer changes the spelling of a note, they are indicating to the performer that the note's function has changed. Almost invariably this follows a drastic shift in harmony, making this practice one technique in which composers can change from one key to another, also known as enharmonic modulation.