Augmented pedal – Definition & Meaning

In the world of music, there are many terms and concepts that can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with them. One such term is the “augmented pedal”. This article aims to provide a clear definition and meaning of the augmented pedal, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.

Definitions

The augmented pedal is a musical term that refers to a specific type of pedal point. A pedal point is a sustained note or chord that is played continuously while other harmonies and melodies are played over it. An augmented pedal, however, is a pedal point that is raised by a half-step or a whole-step. This creates tension and dissonance in the music, which can be resolved by returning to the original pedal point.

Origin

The term “augmented pedal” has its roots in classical music. It was first used in the early 19th century by composers such as Beethoven and Schubert. The use of the augmented pedal became more common in the Romantic period, where it was used to create dramatic and emotional effects in music.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The term “augmented pedal” is not commonly found in general dictionaries. However, it can be found in music dictionaries such as the Oxford Dictionary of Music and the Harvard Dictionary of Music. These dictionaries define the augmented pedal as a type of pedal point that is raised by a half-step or a whole-step.

Associations

The augmented pedal is often associated with tension and dissonance in music. It is used to create a sense of instability and unpredictability, which can be resolved by returning to the original pedal point. The use of the augmented pedal is common in Romantic music, where composers sought to express intense emotions and feelings.

Synonyms

There are no direct synonyms for the augmented pedal, as it is a specific type of pedal point. However, other terms that are related to the augmented pedal include pedal point, sustained note, and dissonance.

Antonyms

The antonym of the augmented pedal is the regular pedal point, which is a sustained note or chord that remains the same throughout the music. The regular pedal point does not create the same sense of tension and dissonance as the augmented pedal.

The same root words

The term “augmented” comes from the Latin word “augere”, which means to increase or enlarge. The term “pedal” comes from the Latin word “pedalis”, which means relating to the feet. The combination of these two words creates the term “augmented pedal”, which refers to a pedal point that is raised in pitch.

Example Sentences

1. The composer used an augmented pedal to create tension and dissonance in the music.
2. The use of the augmented pedal was a common technique in Romantic music.
3. The pianist held the augmented pedal while playing a complex melody over it.
4. The augmented pedal added a sense of unpredictability to the music.
5. The resolution of the augmented pedal created a sense of relief and closure in the music.