Accidental: A musical notation symbol that alters the pitch of a note, deviating from the key signature. Common accidentals include sharps, flats, and naturals, which respectively raise, lower, or restore notes to their original pitch.
Context and Significance
Accidentals play a crucial role in music by introducing variations and emotional depth. They allow composers to explore tonalities outside the established key signature, creating tension, surprise, or resolution. Accidentals are prevalent across various genres, from classical to jazz, and are frequently used in both instrumental and vocal music. For example, pianists often encounter accidentals in pieces that modulate between keys, while vocalists use them to achieve expressive nuances in their performances.
Historical Background
The use of accidentals dates back to the medieval period, evolving significantly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Initially, accidentals were indicated by symbols that differed from modern notation. As music became more complex, standardized symbols like the sharp, flat, and natural were developed. These symbols allowed for greater flexibility in composition and were integral to the emergence of chromaticism in Western music, which expanded the expressive possibilities of musical pieces.
Examples
In Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier,” accidentals are used to explore all 24 major and minor keys, showcasing the versatility of the musical scale. In jazz, musicians frequently use accidentals to create distinctive improvisations, adding a unique flair to performances. The use of accidentals in popular music can be observed in The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” where unexpected sharps and flats contribute to the song’s haunting quality.
Related Terms
Key Signature: Notation indicating the key of a piece and its default pitches.
Chromatic Scale: A scale consisting entirely of semitones.
Enharmonic: Different notations representing the same pitch, such as F-sharp and G-flat.
Modulation: The process of changing from one key to another within a composition.