On Properties of Harmonic Intervals: Sonance, Acousticity, Phonism

Abstract

This research synthesizes concepts derived from previous studies of the author regarding sonance [1], acousticity and phonism [2] that affect the properties of harmonic intervals and vertical sound complexes. The classification of texture “with and without an expressed bass” [3], which had its place in the textbook that was published later, is important in the context as well [4]. The dual nature of the fourth and tritone, and the significant differences in the perception of other intervals, depending on their placement in musical space, inevitably raise the question - can all these phenomena be explained with the approved terms consonance and dissonance. The physical basis of all vertical sound complexes is the harmonic series, but the plays of the author,’ indicate how this order forms the concept of sonance and acousticity. The definition of these terms is only the beginning of future research on phonetic properties of harmonic intervals and harmonies to achieve a qualitatively new classification of acoustic characteristics.