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quarter tone
/kwˈɔːɹɾɚ tˈoʊn/
/kwˈɔːtə tˈəʊn/
quarter-tonequartertoneQuarter tone
01
a musical interval that is half the size of a semitone
What is a "quarter tone"?
A quarter tone is a musical pitch that is half the size of a half step or semitone. It represents a note that is one-quarter of the distance between two neighboring notes in Western music. Quarter tones are used to create subtle changes in pitch that are not found in the standard twelve-tone scale. They are often used in musical styles from regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe to add unique tonal qualities and expressiveness to the music.
Examples
The composer incorporated quarter tones into the melody, creating a unique and exotic sound.
The microtonal ensemble specialized in performing music that utilized quarter tones extensively.
