THE CHARACTER OF THE INTERVALS


One part of the music examination you have to do is recognize the intervals by hearing them.
When you know that you can divide them in three groups,
it will be easier to recognize them.

1. THE PERFECT CONSONANTS: (unison, fourth, fifth, oktave) (1-4-5-8)

These intervals sound very pure, perhaps a little incomplete.
In fact they sound as if you hear only one tone.
It is possible to end a musical piece with this interval, because they sound stable.

2. THE CONSONANTS: (third, sixth) (3-6)

These intervals sound beautiful and harmonious.
When you sing or play with two voices together, you can use these intervals.
It is very well possible to end a musical piece with these intervals.

3. THE DISSONANTS: (second, seventh) (2-7)

These intervals sound "ugly". In fact they are not really ugly, but they want to be followed by
another interval, wich sounds good. You can't end a musical piece with these intervals.
These intervals are not stable, and want to be followed by a stable interval.

In music we hear all the time a variety of stable and unstable intervals.
All the time there are passing consonant and dissonant intervals.
This is exactly what makes music that beautiful, interesting and exiting.

Klick here to start "Oom Ludwig". Here you can learn to recognize the intervals on the staff and practise to hear the intervals.