spectralism
A compositional movement originating in 1970s France that derives musical structure from the analysis of sound's physical properties — its overtone spectrum, envelope, and acoustic behavior.
In Depth
Gérard Grisey wrote music based on spectral analysis of a trombone note — the harmonies in his orchestral works are literally derived from the overtone content of a single sound, stretched and transformed across an entire ensemble.
Related Terms
More in Theory
Browse allA sharp, flat, or natural sign that alters a note from the prevailing key signature.
Symbols placed before notes to raise or lower their pitch by a semitone or return them to their natural state
Relating to sound or the properties of sound, especially music produced without electronic amplification.
The natural minor scale, with the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W, producing the most common minor tonality in Western music.
Music in which some element of the composition is left to chance or to the performer's discretion.
The second-highest voice type, or an instrument pitched between soprano and tenor.
The measure of a sound wave's intensity, perceived as loudness or volume.
One or more notes before the first full bar of a piece, also called a pickup or upbeat.