chapter 4: the values and characteristics of accidentals and inflection

accidentals and inflectionaccidentals and inflection

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KEY SIGNATURE

ACCIDENTALS

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a flat is when the note’s pitch is lowered by 1/2

step.

sharpa sharp is when

the note’s pitch is raised by 1/2

step.

naturalwhen a natural sign appears in the notation, it

cancels any flats or sharps in the key signature.

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The key signature of any piece of music

indicates which notes in the score will be flat,

natural and sharp every time they occur.

Accidental refers to any instance in the score where the

flat, sharp or natural sign appears in front of a note. This

indicates that the key signa-ture has been “broken”.

Accidentals are valid until the end of the measure, however, if the accidental note repeats in the measure (regardless of

octave), the flat, sharp or natural applies to that note as

well.

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Inflection is a musical tool used to infuse the notes andpitches with individual characteristics. Inflection can affect

the overall feel of the piece. Inflection can be notatedwithin the musical score. No two musicians can play

the exact same sound because of the effects of inflection.

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staccato legato slur

Legato refers to a group of notes

and pitchesplayed very

smoothly. These sections of a score are

oftenplayed in a

single breath.

Staccato refers to a pitch that is

played crisply and precisely. The sound created

resemblesthe sound of taking a breath between each note played.

A slur refers to the curved line that connects a group of notes.these notes are intended to be

played in a legato style.

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Accidentals are notated within the abstraction using a different color.

When a note is recorded as “accidental” in the notation, that

note’s pitch/note line is indicated in the abstraction.

Additionally, deviations fromthe score can be notated using the

same system if the artist chooses to do so. This allows the artist the

freedom to interpret the musical notation individually.

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Legato and slurred notes can be abstracted through the use of curves. When notes are connected through slurs, a steep

curve is created. When individual legato notes occur, a slight curveforms. Staccato notes are indicated through points, as they represent

the most precise and momentary form of playing.

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Accidentals occur in spatial conditions when a portion of the space is untouchable, inaccessible, or otherwise restricted for any reason.

These spaces could be existing buildings, deviations from zoning ordinances, historically preserved spaces, geographic or

natural limitations, etc.

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musical characteristics: accidentals and inflectionmusical characteristics: accidentals and inflection

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