Tritone intervals

Definition

A tritone interval is a musical interval that spans three whole tones, which can also be referred to as an augmented fourth or diminished fifth. This interval has a distinctive dissonant quality that has been used to create tension and drama in music, especially in the Romantic period. Its unique sound often evokes feelings of unease and is crucial in establishing emotional depth in compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tritone interval was famously referred to as 'diabolus in musica' or 'the devil in music' due to its unsettling sound and its historical association with tension.
2. Berlioz utilized tritone intervals in 'Symphonie Fantastique' to enhance emotional intensity and express the psychological turmoil of the protagonist.
3. The tritone serves as a pivotal note in the dominant seventh chord, leading to strong resolutions in Western tonal music.
4. In 'Symphonie Fantastique', the use of tritone intervals helps to create stark contrasts between different movements, reinforcing thematic material throughout the work.
5. The tritone's dissonance is often resolved into more stable intervals, creating a satisfying release for listeners, which is a common feature in Romantic-era compositions.

Review Questions

• How does Berlioz use tritone intervals to enhance the emotional landscape of 'Symphonie Fantastique'?
  • Berlioz skillfully incorporates tritone intervals throughout 'Symphonie Fantastique' to evoke feelings of tension and instability, reflecting the inner turmoil of the protagonist. For instance, these intervals contribute to the unsettling atmosphere during key moments of the narrative, such as in the 'Witches' Sabbath' movement. The dissonance created by tritones amplifies the drama and emotional depth, making listeners acutely aware of the character's psychological struggles.
• In what ways do tritone intervals contribute to thematic development within 'Symphonie Fantastique'?
  • Tritone intervals play a significant role in establishing thematic material and contrasting different sections within 'Symphonie Fantastique'. By incorporating these dissonant intervals, Berlioz creates a sense of conflict and resolution that mirrors the narrative's progression. The dramatic use of tritones not only serves to highlight key themes but also allows for seamless transitions between movements, enhancing the overall cohesiveness of the work.
• Evaluate how the use of tritone intervals in 'Symphonie Fantastique' reflects broader trends in Romantic music and its emotional expression.
  • The use of tritone intervals in 'Symphonie Fantastique' exemplifies the broader trends of Romantic music, where emotional expression and individualism became paramount. This dissonant interval represents a break from classical conventions, allowing composers like Berlioz to explore more complex emotional landscapes. As Romanticism pushed boundaries in both harmony and expression, the tritone became a powerful tool for composers seeking to convey profound psychological states, influencing subsequent musical developments well into the late 19th century and beyond.

Related terms

Dissonance:

Dissonance refers to a combination of notes that clash or create tension, often resolved by consonant chords.

Augmented Fourth: An augmented fourth is an interval that consists of five half steps, which is equivalent to a tritone.

Chromaticism: Chromaticism involves the use of notes outside the diatonic scale, adding color and complexity to musical compositions.