Interval - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Interval, in music, refers to the distance between two pitches, a seemingly simple concept that governs the very fabric of melody and harmony. Often mistaken for mere mathematical ratios, intervals are instead deeply entwined with human perception and emotional expression. Their names – major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished – offer a glimpse into the intricate web of musical relationships, hinting at a system far more nuanced than simple measurement.
The understanding of intervals stretches back to ancient Greece. Around 500 BCE, Pythagoras and his followers explored the mathematical ratios underlying musical consonance, particularly the octave, fifth, and fourth. While the exact record of their experiments remains shrouded in legend, their work, transmitted through texts and oral traditions, laid the groundwork for future generations of musical theorists. The concept continued to develop during the medieval period. Although direct mentions are scarce, Boethius's "De institutione musica," written in the 6th century, systematized Greek musical theory and provided a foundation for understanding intervals within the context of plainchant and early polyphony.
Over the centuries, the perception and theoretical understanding of intervals have undergone dramatic shifts. During the Renaissance, the rise of polyphony and the development of just intonation led to new complexities in interval usage. The Baroque era saw the codification of functional harmony where the resolution of dissonant intervals became a crucial element in musical drama. Consider the tritone, often called "diabolus in musica," once considered so unsettling it was forbidden in certain contexts. Its subsequent embrace as a powerful expressive tool reveals the evolving nature of human musical perception. Why did our reaction to this interval change so drastically? What cultural forces influenced this shift?
Today, intervals remain fundamental to musical composition and analysis. Their use extends beyond traditional Western music, finding expression in diverse genres and cultures. The exploration of microtonal music, which ventures beyond the standard twelve-tone system, also relies heavily on our understanding of intervals. Intervals are also used symbolically, such as the "minor second" in film scores, which is often used to evoke a sense of unease or suspense. The interval, a basic building block, continues to shape how we create and experience music. What new sonic territories will further exploration of these relationships unlock?