Some Considerations on the Scalar Dimension of Tempo

• Diego Morales Universidad Simón Bolívar

Keywords: Microtonality, Scale, Music Theory, Metronomic Rhythm, Polytemporality

Abstract

The arrival of microtonality has widened the limits of traditional scales. Pioneers such as Carrillo (1957), Haba (1984), Johnston (1964), among others, charged themselves with the division of the octave through mathematical and surgical-like certainties of the highest precision. These proceedings not only enriched the available scales and chords but also raised issues of notation and reproduction that have not been appropriately resolved.  Nonetheless, the rhythm rebels itself before any notation ambiguity and rises itself as the parameter of inclusivity. Based on the conclusions explored by the pitch realm we can assess possible outcomes for the other parameters and use them in our arguments like that of the scalar dimension. These rhythmic observations can be operated for performance, composition, or music analysis. Such aims are deduced from the advantageous situation of this parameter when compared with pitch and it offers an opportunity to look back towards the rhythm.

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