History Semitone

a dramatic chromatic scale in opening measures of luca marenzio s solo e pensoso, ca. 1580. (  play (help·info)

however, beginning in 13th century cadences begin require motion in 1 voice half step , other whole step in contrary motion. these cadences become fundamental part of musical language, point usual accidental accompanying minor second in cadence omitted written score (a practice known musica ficta). 16th century, semitone had become more versatile interval, appearing augmented unison in chromatic passages. semantically, in 16th century repeated melodic semitone became associated weeping, see: passus duriusculus, lament bass, , pianto.

by baroque era (1600 1750), tonal harmonic framework formed, , various musical functions of semitone rigorously understood. later in period adoption of temperaments instrumental tuning , more frequent use of enharmonic equivalences increased ease semitone applied. function remained similar through classical period, , though used more language of tonality became more chromatic in romantic period, musical function of semitone did not change.

in 20th century, however, composers such arnold schoenberg, béla bartók, , igor stravinsky sought alternatives or extensions of tonal harmony, , found other uses semitone. semitone exploited harmonically caustic dissonance, having no resolution. composers use large collections of harmonic semitones (tone clusters) source of cacophony in music (e.g. piano works of henry cowell). now, enharmonic equivalence commonplace property of equal temperament, , instrumental use of semitone not @ problematic performer. composer free write semitones wherever wished.