noun
- plural of microtonal quality; the use of musical intervals smaller than a semitone, or the system of music employing such intervals.
Usage: music; technical
Examples
- The composer explored microtonalities by dividing the octave into more than twelve equal parts.
- Many contemporary classical pieces incorporate microtonalities to create unusual harmonic textures.
- The microtonalities in this piece require specially tuned instruments.
- Jazz musicians sometimes use microtonalities to bend notes between standard pitches.
- Understanding microtonalities is essential for performers of avant-garde music.