La chromatique



Example: La progression chromatique dans cette pièce crée une tension unique.

Definition


"La chromatique" refers to the musical concept involving the use of notes outside the standard diatonic scale, specifically the twelve semitones that make up an octave. It often creates tension or color in music by progressing through adjacent half steps.

Translations



Etymology


The term "la chromatique" derives from the Greek word 'chroma,' meaning color, highlighting the idea of adding 'color' or variation to music through semitones. It entered French musical vocabulary to describe this nuanced use of pitch that enriches harmony and melody.

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"La chromatique" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 99 commonly used words.
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