Tritone

Playing a tritone in medieval times

Playing a tritone in medieval times
  1. Why is the tritone evil?
  2. What is unique about the tritone?
  3. What is that one song from the Middle Ages?

Why is the tritone evil?

There's a tale behind that moniker: In those pious days of the Middle Ages, the tritone was so unpleasing that it was considered the work of the devil, leading church authorities ban its use in ecclesiastical music.

What is unique about the tritone?

The Definition of a Tritone

This interval is also unique because it is exactly half of an octave, which is 12 semitones. For example, the interval F – B is a tritone. Because it is exactly half of an octave, the inverse of a tritone is also a tritone.

What is that one song from the Middle Ages?

One popular form of medieval song from this period was called “conductus” which was sung rhythmically by one or more voices. A famous collection of poems and songs from the era is called Cantigas de Santa Maria which is attributed to Alfonso X El Sabio.

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