Shades of sound
4 days of microtonal music
For thousands of years music from all over the world has used tuning systems different from those most commonly used in western music in recent times. These systems use microtonal steps, or intervals, which can be smaller or larger than the ones we use in our familiar scales, and which help create subtle shades of colour and feeling. “Blue notes” in the blues and jazz are a perfect example of microtones. If you can hear the difference between a singer singing “bluesy” or “straight” then your ears are already tuned in to microtonality.
The expanded palette of sounds that becomes available through microtones is increasingly being explored by composers. This weekend will look at how microtonality is being used in contemporary music through a series of performances and talks. Come and explore with us.
Shades of sound Pass
Pass gives access to all Shades of sound events
Thursday 24-Sunday 27 October
£40 / £32 / £5
In association with the University of Aberdeen
