Quartertones

February 2, 2005 at 06:57 AM · Penderecki's "Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima." Great piece, and with quartertones.

February 2, 2005 at 07:20 PM · Bartok sonata for Solo violin.

Some of the Ysaye sonatas for solo violin have indications for quartertones, though some argue that they are not original markings.

Preston

February 2, 2005 at 07:31 PM · There is a part in the first movement of the Bartok 2nd violin concerto during the cadenza where quarter tones are used.

February 2, 2005 at 07:37 PM · Hi all-

A really interesting piece that heavily explores microtonality and extends thinking about rhythm/tempo is "Amazing Grace" written by Ben Johnston. You can hear it on the Kronos "White Man Sleeps" recording.

Our quartet performed this a few years ago. It was an enormously interesting and satisfying experience.

February 2, 2005 at 07:43 PM · Out of curiosity, how would quarter tones be written into music? You obviously can't use sharps and flats.

February 2, 2005 at 07:59 PM · Bartok used a small arrow pointing up or down above the note to indicate the quartertone.

February 2, 2005 at 09:07 PM · The Penderecki is AWESOME! He uses everything in this piece including tone clusters and string instruments as percussion! I have a CD of Penderecki conducting it! A Haunting performance!

February 2, 2005 at 10:20 PM · of those i've only heard the bartok solo sonata. well i've heard the concerto but i've never noticed quarter tones, hmm.

i always wonder, it must be difficult to train yourself to play those.

February 2, 2005 at 10:32 PM · Regarding the notation for Amazing Grace, Johnston developed and documented a notation system that utilizes modifications to the sharp and flat symbols...

And, Johnston focused beyond quarter tones to even smaller units - that's why I describe them as microtones.

February 3, 2005 at 11:49 PM · Search into India's folk music.

February 7, 2005 at 01:03 AM · Hi,

The Ysaÿe markings for quarter tones are original. He used his own system of markings at the beginning of the sonatas. As for other examples, most of Ligeti micortonal works make extensive use of quarter tones as well.

Cheers!

February 7, 2005 at 05:16 AM · Strange. My former teacher Sally Thomas said that they were not put in there by Ysaye.

I've played Ysaye with and without quartertones. Sounds good both ways.

Preston

February 7, 2005 at 07:20 PM · Hi,

Actually, the why for the quartet tones is uncertain, but may find its origin in Gypsy music. If Ysaÿe hadn't intended to use them, then why did he include a symbol for them in the indications on the first page?

Also, he does not use them exclusively, the except for one example in the sixth sonata, most of them are in the Ballade. It is a tribute to Enesco, who, if I remember correctly did use quarter tones in the violin and piano sonatas, no?! Please correct me if I am wrong here...

Cheers!

February 8, 2005 at 07:13 AM · Christian, you are right but only when it comes to the violin. Enesco wrote quarter tones in his 3rd Violin Sonata. Piano cannot play a quarter tone unless it's de-tuned.

February 8, 2005 at 12:58 PM · Dimitru,

... of course!

February 8, 2005 at 09:36 PM · not true, just reach inside the piano and push on the string a bit, i like to use a hammer.

February 9, 2005 at 02:31 AM · HAHAHA!

Good one Owen... I personally would like to use other things as well ;)

Cheers!